Book to Film Club March Wrap Up: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Book to Film Club March Reading Wrap Up: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Wow, I have to admit this one was a challenge for me. I found the epistolary-style (collection of documents which can include diaries entries, clippings, letters, etc) confusing and I didn't quite connect to the characters including protagonist Abraham Lincoln (yes, the 16th US president), who plays the vampire hunter. But, I could easily sense the love of history in it and I imagine if they get visceral in tone just right it could be quite brilliant. I'll look forward to seeing the film adaptation and interpretation, and I have a feeling with this one I'll like the film better than the book!

Things to ponder on the book:

• Did you enjoy reading it?
• Was it what you were expecting?
• What did you know about the book before reading it?
• What did you think of the epistolary-style?
• Did you enjoy the historical mash-up perspective?
  
• What did you take away from reading the book?
• Is there anything you would change about the book?
• Who would you recommend the book to?
• Did you feel about the characters & their challenges?
• What do think about how it combined genres?
• Did you enjoy the horror elements? The historical elements?
  

About the upcoming film adaptation:

• How do you feel about the casting of the film?
• What tone do you think they'll take?
  
• What do you hope to be the focus of the film?
• What do you think is essential to keep from the book in the film?
• What do you think they can trim away from the book to the film?
• What do you think the challenges of the adaptation may be?
• Do you have any hesitations on the adaptation?
• What are you most looking forward to about the film adaptation?

If this was a re-read:

• How did reading it this time compare with your previous time reading it?
• Did you notice anything different this time round?
• Did your interest and focus stay on the same characters and moments, or shift?

Film Adaptation
The film version will be directed by the amazing Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Day Watch / Dnevnoy Dozor, Wanted). Casting includes stars Benjamin Walker as Abraham Lincoln, Dominic Cooper as Henry Sturgess, as well as Alan Tyduk, Rufus Sewell, Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Anthony Mackie. You can check out the trailer here and there are also tons of videos, tours, Q&A's and interviews with cast, crew and even author Seth Grahame-Smith.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter will be released on June 22, 2012.