Reviews

From the start, I was completely immersed. This has to be one of the greatest revenge stories of all time.

Edmond Dantés’s quest for retribution on the four men that betrayed him really is something special; it follows a plot that’s both easy to follow, yet consistently shocking and enthralling. Dumas prose shines throughout as he takes us to a France in turmoil and creates a colorful cast of distinct characters to populate it. Power plays, betrayal, separated love, murder mystery, and sweet Shakespearean revenge - it’s all here and the Count of Monte Cristo is at the center of it all.

There’s a lot to be said about the things this book does so well. Each character related to and involved in the treason against Dantés is so well written and instantly recognizable. The range of main and side characters truly put in the work to keep the reader engaged; their banter and interplay is just fantastic. France in the era of Napoleon keeps the background elements in the forefront as well, so to speak. Aside from our revenge story, Dumas brings the troubles of the times up to ground this fantastical story to keep it just within the realm of possibility.

Each chapter can function as it’s own self-contained adventure or political intrigue plot. Monte Cristo masterfully navigates such a wide range of situations and rivals that it’s near impossible not to be in awe of him. Despite this, we see him troubled, emotionally torn, and struggling with his work. So much is done in the name of revenge that it’s a wonder he doesn’t lose his humanity in the process. He’s a really well-written adventure protagonist.

I don’t have much negative to say. The length isn’t necessarily a negative aspect of the book, but it’s totally understandable that some people can be turned off by it. Also, like with most period pieces, there’s a few instances of casual racism, sexism, the works; it’s best to adjust expectations before diving in and allow for historical context.

In the end, everyone should read about Edmond’s epic quest for vengeance and happiness. It really is so good.

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5.0

Dumas was a theatre man: he staged unforgettable characters and loved twists and turns. The poisoner, the former revolutionary, turned mute, and the traitor and the cursed son, Benedetto, with an incredible fate. My great-grandfather loved this story, a just man who loses everything before taking revenge on his enemies who had become rich and powerful in the Paris of the Restoration. Dumas' storytelling art unfolds in his stories throughout history: Roman bandits, oriental adventures, and the crime of Caderousse told by a witness hidden in his inn on a stormy night. Above all these characters, the Providence's agent, the count and his doubles, the Italian abbot, and the English lord make this classic an absolute pleasure to read!