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![The Count of Monte Cristo [Abridged] by Alexandre Dumas](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/1qy27ultqt1q86gtbubgprtxmd89)
4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
I love the movie (the one starring Jesus/Jim Caviezel) and I went in with high expectations for the story, but low expectations for the writing. I had these expectations because action and thrillers lend themselves better to the silver screen than they do paper, and also because the foreword of the edition that I read claims that Dumas' writing is not the best. I was positively surprised all around.
First of all, the plot is different enough from the movie to make it almost seem like a different story, although Edmond and Mercedes always looked like their corresponding movie roles, among other characters. And, the story is interesting from beginning to end. I had expected a much more long-winded explanation of everything, but I never got bored. Perhaps because I was reading the abridged version. I hope to read the full, two-volume version at some point.
Even the writing, though, was clear and to the point. I liked Dumas' manner of description; it's very direct, even blunt, but effective.
First of all, the plot is different enough from the movie to make it almost seem like a different story, although Edmond and Mercedes always looked like their corresponding movie roles, among other characters. And, the story is interesting from beginning to end. I had expected a much more long-winded explanation of everything, but I never got bored. Perhaps because I was reading the abridged version. I hope to read the full, two-volume version at some point.
Even the writing, though, was clear and to the point. I liked Dumas' manner of description; it's very direct, even blunt, but effective.
I knew going into it that this would be a tragic tale. At first I thought it would be the misfortunes that fall on noble young Edmond Dantes. But the real tragedy proves to be what happens after- this innocent and good-hearted young man allows himself to be consumed by vengeance, only realizing too late the true cost of it. That was a definite moral in this story, for me. I didn't particularly enjoy how it ended and the characters were all a little too conveniently interrelated for me, but I enjoyed the overall plot enough that I can definitely see why this is considered a classic.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I'd probably have given this a 5, if it weren't missing 500 pages. The few end notes were of some help, but I would've preferred reading them in Dumas's voice. Still loved it! Just say no to abridged versions. At least it was free...
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I haven't been reading this bc life happened so marking it DNF for now.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
this might just be because I read an abridged version and there was less explaining who people were but this book was so annoying cuz I could not keep track of all the animus and who was who. I think there was a lot of potential for me to enjoy it and the plot was really intriguing at times but I just was bored and didn't care for most of it. There were only a few times the writing wowed me and coming off of Frankenstein which I loved this just didn't super do it for me. Maybe when I'm retired ill read the whole version so I can see if my opinion changes with length.