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I've finally figured out why I cannot rid myself of the notion that Abraham van Helsing (of Dracula fame) is Jewish, despite the fact that the text is fairly clear on him not being Jewish.
I first read Dracula in French. Which means it was before I established my "read books in their original language if possible, if not whatever translation is most easily accessible" rule. I was 12 or so when I came up with that rule. I also remember the library I borrowed the book from, which gives me the hint that it was after the age of 10.
I first read Le chat du rabbin ("The rabbi's cat") at about 11. The (semi-)titular rabbi is named Abraham.
I'm guessing I just conflated the two.
In fairness, if "Abraham Van Helsing, M. D., D. Ph., D. Lit., etc., etc." (cf Chapter IX) were Jewish, he would be a rabbi. Search your heart. You know it to be true.
I first read Dracula in French. Which means it was before I established my "read books in their original language if possible, if not whatever translation is most easily accessible" rule. I was 12 or so when I came up with that rule. I also remember the library I borrowed the book from, which gives me the hint that it was after the age of 10.
I first read Le chat du rabbin ("The rabbi's cat") at about 11. The (semi-)titular rabbi is named Abraham.
I'm guessing I just conflated the two.
In fairness, if "Abraham Van Helsing, M. D., D. Ph., D. Lit., etc., etc." (cf Chapter IX) were Jewish, he would be a rabbi. Search your heart. You know it to be true.