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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A classic for a reason. Enjoyed reading it.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At nearly one and a half thousand pages, this was a significant time commitment for a person who reads several books at once, but how well was I rewarded! Such detailed and intricate plotting, such endearing and repellant characters, such breadth of emotion; desperate suffering, sweet joy. This book has it all and I loved it.
I friend of mine recommended this book to me and claimed it was one of her favorites. I usually try to read a classic every so often in the random mix of other non-fiction and fiction selections I happen to be reading simultaneously. This book is action-packed, full of interesting characters and all in all an enjoyable read.
I was surprised by how different the story is from the movie versions. Still processing, but found the book interesting and powerful overall.
I'm biased when it comes to this book. This story had a huge impact on me when I was younger, so when the 2024 French film came out, I thought it would be fun to do a re-read. And my re-read was just as delightful as I remember the story; my 5 stars is not an indication of the book's perfection or lack of problematic themes (there are plenty of those). Rather, this book holds a special place in my heart and, as a lover of literature, I find a particular delight in analyzing all the little things Dumas does with his narrative.
WRITING: If you're going to pick up an English translation of this book, I'd recommend a non-expurgated ("non-censored") version. Fortunately, the Penguin Classics edition by Robin Buss is both complete and fairly inexpensive, so it's not hard to get a good copy.
Buss's translation does a good job replicating the feel of 19th century prose while also providing notes for references or cultural idioms that are difficult for contemporary readers to understand. Personally, I like having notes so that I don't feel like I'm missing out on important points, so if you're like me, you'll appreciate the Penguin edition.
Readers should be aware, however, that this book wasn't initially a stand-alone novel, but the story was published serially. Thus, the prose has a tendency to be overblown and sensational, reveling in the heightened emotions and dramatic twists of each chapter. I love this kind of storytelling; it's pulpy and fun and not necessarily concerned with deeper philosophical introspection. Of course, you can absolutely still do that analysis (this book is great for thinking about how revenge changes a person), but I'm sure Dumas (and his co-authors) would be delighted if you just showed up for the shenanigans.
PLOT: How to explain this plot...? There's the one everyone knows: the story of Edmond Dantès, a sailor who is unjustly prisoned and, after more than two decades, returns to tale revenge on his foes. But there's so much more than just that: Dantès is undoubtedly the protagonist and holds the narrative together, but a number of side characters get their own arcs and find themselves tangled up in Dantès's plot.
Thus, the plot of this book meanders and shifts focus from chapter to chapter. For some, the pace may feel tedious. This book is, after all, more than 1000 pages long. But I loved this rich tapestry that stretched through multiple decades and multiple countries. I liked that we went from prison break to treasure hunting to rich people trying to out-maneuver one another (not to mention the politics). I personally never felt bored; there was too much going on, in my view, and all of it felt related because it fell under the domain of Dantès and his plans.
I should warn readers, however, that there are some elements to this book which are uncomfortable: namely, the rampant Orientalism and casual references to slavery. Dantès poses as a Count who spends a lot of time in the East, but his attitude very much reflects the Orientalism of the 19th century. Even with Dumas being mixed race himself, this book isn't really progressive; personally, I find the faults interesting to talk about, but if you're bothered by them, this book might not be for you because the Orientalism is not just throw away lines - it's constant.
CHARACTERS: There are way too many characters to talk about individually at length, so I'll try to keep things brief.
Edmond is such an interesting protagonist. I love that we start the book with this kind-hearted little sailor who just wants to please his father and marry his beloved. But over time, we see how not only hardship and the desire for revenge change him, but what doors are unlocked by him becoming rich and titled. I loved the little descriptions of his emotions after he becomes the Count and I was utterly delighted by all the disguises and lengths he would go to achieve his aims. He also has some amazing lines that I'm glad were incorporated into the 2024 French film.
Supporting characters are also very fun to watch, especially Dantès's foes who we know are going to get their comeuppance. Caderousse, Dantès's former neighbor, was irritating in his greed and contrasted nicely with those whose betrayal felt more personal. Fernand, Danglars, and Villefort were easy to root against because they were so terrible; watching Dantès set up their fall was satisfying in so many ways.
TL;DR: The Count of Monte Cristo is not without its problematic elements, but the tale of revenge is satisfying and remains a favorite nevertheless.
WRITING: If you're going to pick up an English translation of this book, I'd recommend a non-expurgated ("non-censored") version. Fortunately, the Penguin Classics edition by Robin Buss is both complete and fairly inexpensive, so it's not hard to get a good copy.
Buss's translation does a good job replicating the feel of 19th century prose while also providing notes for references or cultural idioms that are difficult for contemporary readers to understand. Personally, I like having notes so that I don't feel like I'm missing out on important points, so if you're like me, you'll appreciate the Penguin edition.
Readers should be aware, however, that this book wasn't initially a stand-alone novel, but the story was published serially. Thus, the prose has a tendency to be overblown and sensational, reveling in the heightened emotions and dramatic twists of each chapter. I love this kind of storytelling; it's pulpy and fun and not necessarily concerned with deeper philosophical introspection. Of course, you can absolutely still do that analysis (this book is great for thinking about how revenge changes a person), but I'm sure Dumas (and his co-authors) would be delighted if you just showed up for the shenanigans.
PLOT: How to explain this plot...? There's the one everyone knows: the story of Edmond Dantès, a sailor who is unjustly prisoned and, after more than two decades, returns to tale revenge on his foes. But there's so much more than just that: Dantès is undoubtedly the protagonist and holds the narrative together, but a number of side characters get their own arcs and find themselves tangled up in Dantès's plot.
Thus, the plot of this book meanders and shifts focus from chapter to chapter. For some, the pace may feel tedious. This book is, after all, more than 1000 pages long. But I loved this rich tapestry that stretched through multiple decades and multiple countries. I liked that we went from prison break to treasure hunting to rich people trying to out-maneuver one another (not to mention the politics). I personally never felt bored; there was too much going on, in my view, and all of it felt related because it fell under the domain of Dantès and his plans.
I should warn readers, however, that there are some elements to this book which are uncomfortable: namely, the rampant Orientalism and casual references to slavery. Dantès poses as a Count who spends a lot of time in the East, but his attitude very much reflects the Orientalism of the 19th century. Even with Dumas being mixed race himself, this book isn't really progressive; personally, I find the faults interesting to talk about, but if you're bothered by them, this book might not be for you because the Orientalism is not just throw away lines - it's constant.
CHARACTERS: There are way too many characters to talk about individually at length, so I'll try to keep things brief.
Edmond is such an interesting protagonist. I love that we start the book with this kind-hearted little sailor who just wants to please his father and marry his beloved. But over time, we see how not only hardship and the desire for revenge change him, but what doors are unlocked by him becoming rich and titled. I loved the little descriptions of his emotions after he becomes the Count and I was utterly delighted by all the disguises and lengths he would go to achieve his aims. He also has some amazing lines that I'm glad were incorporated into the 2024 French film.
Supporting characters are also very fun to watch, especially Dantès's foes who we know are going to get their comeuppance. Caderousse, Dantès's former neighbor, was irritating in his greed and contrasted nicely with those whose betrayal felt more personal. Fernand, Danglars, and Villefort were easy to root against because they were so terrible; watching Dantès set up their fall was satisfying in so many ways.
TL;DR: The Count of Monte Cristo is not without its problematic elements, but the tale of revenge is satisfying and remains a favorite nevertheless.