The Vampire Armand
First edition
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| Author | Anne Rice |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Vampire Chronicles |
| Genre | Gothic fiction, erotica |
| Published | October 10, 1998 |
| Publisher | Knopf |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback) & audio book |
| Pages | 387 pp (hardcover edition) & 400pp/520 pp (paperback edition) |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 38521516 |
| 813/.54 21 | |
| LC Class | PS3568.I265 V25 1998 |
| Preceded by | Memnoch the Devil |
| Followed by | Merrick |
The Vampire Armand (1998) is the sixth novel in Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles series.
With Lestat still in slumber after his adventures in Memnoch the Devil, the vampire coven is united around the "brat prince", and the vampire David Talbot takes the opportunity to request that Armand tell David his life story. Armand, who first appeared in Interview with the Vampire (1976), agrees to tell his tale.
Born somewhere in the Russian state of Kiev in the late 15th century, Armand (at this time called Andrei) becomes an icon painter in a monastery. He is forcefully taken out of this life of prayer and devotion by slave traders, who take him to Constantinople and then to Venice, where he is destined to work in a brothel. Soon after his arrival in Venice he is purchased by the vampire Marius de Romanus (whose life story is told in 2001's Blood and Gold), who names him Amadeo.
In Venice, Marius lives the extravagant life of a respected Renaissance painter, and mentors many boys who serve as his apprentices. Marius provides his apprentices with education, shelter, food, and he assists them in finding respectable positions once they are grown. Life in Marius' villa is a stark contrast to the poverty, hunger and disease described elsewhere in the city. Over time, Amadeo's relationship to Marius develops and they become much closer than Marius is with any of the other boys. In addition to developing a sexual relationship, Amadeo sleeps in Marius' bed, is privy to special privileges, and becomes something of a 'head boy' in the household. Still, Marius maintains strict control over Amadeo, and expects industriousness from him in all things.
When Amadeo comes of age (the book is not specific, but he is most likely 15 or 16 at this point), Marius begins Amadeo's education in sexuality and coupling. He takes Amadeo to a brothel, where Amadeo remains for several days. Amadeo later visits a male brothel for several days, and while there makes several observations about the difference in sexual activities with the different genders. There is a distinct bisexuality to Amadeo's nature, as he enjoys activity with either sex. He later has a brief affair with an Englishman called Lord Harlech. Harlech becomes obsessed with Amadeo, but his love is not returned. During this period, Amadeo also befriends Bianca Solderini, a wealthy debutante and courtesan whose primary role in life seems to be to throw nightly parties. Amadeo ultimately seduces the willing Bianca.
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