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![The Count of Monte Cristo [Abridged] by Alexandre Dumas](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/1qy27ultqt1q86gtbubgprtxmd89)
4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
At the age of 19, Edmond Dantes is imprisoned for crimes unknown to him, crimes he did not commit. He spends the next 14 years alone in the darkness, suffering and suicidal. Then, fate brings an opportunity for him to escape, and he vows to use his freedom to avenge those responsible for ruining his life.
Full disclosure: I watched the 2002 film when it came out, obviously long before reading the book. I loved the film, but was told many times over that the book is much better. If you are in the same boat as me, I want to impress that the book and the film are very different. Much of Alexandre Dumas's complicated plot and subplots are changed to make for a more concise running time, but I believe that a lot of the simplifying and changes make the story better (such as the relationship between Mondego and Dantes, and the role of Abbe Faria).
This the second book I've read by Dumas (after [b: The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320436982s/7190.jpg|1263212]). Like the other, this book was slow to start, but when it picks up, it's good. However, there was a point in the middle that dragged on, and at times I felt like it was work to get through it. Monte Cristo disappears from the story for a length of time while Dumas sets up vengeance for one of Monte Cristo's perpetrators...only to have nothing of real significance happen. I felt somewhat disappointed by the ending, but again, perhaps it's because I was expecting something closer to the story I know so well from the film.
Full disclosure: I watched the 2002 film when it came out, obviously long before reading the book. I loved the film, but was told many times over that the book is much better. If you are in the same boat as me, I want to impress that the book and the film are very different. Much of Alexandre Dumas's complicated plot and subplots are changed to make for a more concise running time, but I believe that a lot of the simplifying and changes make the story better (such as the relationship between Mondego and Dantes, and the role of Abbe Faria).
This the second book I've read by Dumas (after [b: The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320436982s/7190.jpg|1263212]). Like the other, this book was slow to start, but when it picks up, it's good. However, there was a point in the middle that dragged on, and at times I felt like it was work to get through it. Monte Cristo disappears from the story for a length of time while Dumas sets up vengeance for one of Monte Cristo's perpetrators...only to have nothing of real significance happen. I felt somewhat disappointed by the ending, but again, perhaps it's because I was expecting something closer to the story I know so well from the film.
Saw the movie first, and I gotta say, in some ways the movie is better and in some ways the book is better! The book has more drawn out revenge and multifaceted drama, but the movie’s changes and simplifications add a different kind of poignancy. I think both are very well done.
I can imagine reading this in the 1850s as it takes the world by storm, it’s a fabulous soap opera with a protagonist who you love from the very beginning. Seeing him change and confront internal and external demons is massively rewarding.
I wish we knew more of him after he acquired his treasure. Did he actually do all of the traveling he talks about? (Idk how, he’s middle aged when he gets out of prison). How did he build his personal empire so quickly? We kind of see it, but it’s also just a lot of blind belief. I guess this part of his story could be kind of boring… but tbh his backstory with Haydee would have been so cool to see!
Anyway, had a surprisingly great time reading this and there were moments I gasped at the sheer juiciness.
I’m fairly certain I cried, so I’m adding it to that bookshelf, but I finished the book last week so my goldfish brain can’t remember clearly
I can imagine reading this in the 1850s as it takes the world by storm, it’s a fabulous soap opera with a protagonist who you love from the very beginning. Seeing him change and confront internal and external demons is massively rewarding.
I wish we knew more of him after he acquired his treasure. Did he actually do all of the traveling he talks about? (Idk how, he’s middle aged when he gets out of prison). How did he build his personal empire so quickly? We kind of see it, but it’s also just a lot of blind belief. I guess this part of his story could be kind of boring… but tbh his backstory with Haydee would have been so cool to see!
Anyway, had a surprisingly great time reading this and there were moments I gasped at the sheer juiciness.
I’m fairly certain I cried, so I’m adding it to that bookshelf, but I finished the book last week so my goldfish brain can’t remember clearly
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This epic classic was wonderful! The writing was so rich and captivating and I wish I had been copying down some of the quotes I loved from this book and the author’s way of expressing himself. The only reason it isn’t 5 stars is because I didn’t like the ending. The entire book I was waiting for him to at least try to rekindle a love for Mercedes and reconnect with her and I was sure in the end they would be together. But instead he ended up with Haylee who we only knew briefly from a few scenes and who he had raised as a daughter. She was 19 and he must have been 40 and he had never expressed any kind of love for her other than fatherly. That whole ending didn’t sit right. The beginning and the prison sections are amazing! The writing is so captivating and the emotions are real!
Great book. Really enjoyed the read. Characters and plot were excellent. Good story of revenge, love and sacrifice.
Well I am of the opinion that I put a regular amount of effort into this book. However, I never got hooked. I didn't get attached to any characters, and even in the abridged version, I was getting a bit impatient for exciting stuff to happen. The writing style is fine. Nothing special, though I suppose I have the editors to thank for its digestibility. I suppose I was a bit daunted by the size, so I might come back later.
Wrongfully imprisoned man decided to become worse than his accusers. 3/5 stars bc of the drudgery of the middle 200-ish pages and also bc of the wholly unlikeable “protagonist.” I did enjoy the ridiculousness of the revenge plot unfolding, however I don’t like the overall message. Idk, I felt like he would have some big reflective moment at the end but instead it was just more dramatics and the final bit of pedophilia to seal the deal. Such as with all books written by men I suppose.
I am going to collapse now good lord onto more man books how will I survive.
I am going to collapse now good lord onto more man books how will I survive.
The definition of vengeance. I wish I knew French so I could read it in its unadulterated form. Perfectly paced and while the characters took a bit to recognize, each was worth it and played a part in the story. Each little detail of the Count’s plan was executed almost perfectly, ending in his huge epiphany. I loved all the Parisian opulence and how each character’s comeuppance falls perfectly into place. It’s a centuries old soap opera that easily stood the test of time and is still relevant today.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was one of the first classics I read as a teenager that I actually finished and enjoyed. And understood. Now as an adult, I love it.