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![The Count of Monte Cristo [Abridged] by Alexandre Dumas](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/1qy27ultqt1q86gtbubgprtxmd89)
4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
4.5/5
I’ve been wanting to read this classic for a couple of years now but I must be honest, I got intimidated by the +1000 pages that the original work has, so as soon as I saw that there was a manga adaptation, I just had to read it!
The story begins with a young Edmond Dantés, a guy who’s about to become the captain of a ship. Life’s been good to him, unfortunately, three men are jealous of his good fortune and on his wedding day, they deceive important people and they turn him to the police. Eventually he goes to a prison and spends more than a decade there.
But even on his darkest days, he meets an old man called Abbé Faria, the person who teaches everything he knows while they’re still alive. And it is thanks to him that Edmond discovers a hidden treasure and becomes the well-known Count of Monte Cristo.
And whilst the story is focused on his revenge against Danglars, Fernand and Villefort (the bank man, the guy who marries his fiancé and the prosecutor who imprison him), you can see the duality of the Count’s persona: he’s beyond grateful with those who have been good to him, and he always seeks to help those in need. But at the same time, he uses his witty to torture those who did him wrong.
To me, the Count of Monte Cristo was a character that I will never forget because he's the perfect impersonation of us humans. We always have both good and bad inside us and sometimes we trust the wrong people, and so, we become heartless; yet sometimes, we get to meet those who become a light in our lives, and we stay true to our heats.
The Count was really charming in his own way and I couldn’t help but to root for him, even in the end. I think that despite all his efforts not to be close to someone again, he inevitably found himself friends for life.
Anyway, as it is usual with the manga classic adaptations, the art is superb and it never gets boring! The ambience, the character design and overall, the work of the illustrator really help you visualize the different faces of the Count of Monte Cristo, as well as with the full cast.
I really had to stop myself from finishing it because other way, I would have read it in a single day! So, it’s obvious to say I would totally recommend you to read this if you have the chance!
I received an e-book copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS FROM THE MANGA CLASSICS COLLECTION:
Great Expectations | Jane Eyre
I’ve been wanting to read this classic for a couple of years now but I must be honest, I got intimidated by the +1000 pages that the original work has, so as soon as I saw that there was a manga adaptation, I just had to read it!
The story begins with a young Edmond Dantés, a guy who’s about to become the captain of a ship. Life’s been good to him, unfortunately, three men are jealous of his good fortune and on his wedding day, they deceive important people and they turn him to the police. Eventually he goes to a prison and spends more than a decade there.
But even on his darkest days, he meets an old man called Abbé Faria, the person who teaches everything he knows while they’re still alive. And it is thanks to him that Edmond discovers a hidden treasure and becomes the well-known Count of Monte Cristo.
And whilst the story is focused on his revenge against Danglars, Fernand and Villefort (the bank man, the guy who marries his fiancé and the prosecutor who imprison him), you can see the duality of the Count’s persona: he’s beyond grateful with those who have been good to him, and he always seeks to help those in need. But at the same time, he uses his witty to torture those who did him wrong.
To me, the Count of Monte Cristo was a character that I will never forget because he's the perfect impersonation of us humans. We always have both good and bad inside us and sometimes we trust the wrong people, and so, we become heartless; yet sometimes, we get to meet those who become a light in our lives, and we stay true to our heats.
The Count was really charming in his own way and I couldn’t help but to root for him, even in the end. I think that despite all his efforts not to be close to someone again, he inevitably found himself friends for life.
Anyway, as it is usual with the manga classic adaptations, the art is superb and it never gets boring! The ambience, the character design and overall, the work of the illustrator really help you visualize the different faces of the Count of Monte Cristo, as well as with the full cast.
I really had to stop myself from finishing it because other way, I would have read it in a single day! So, it’s obvious to say I would totally recommend you to read this if you have the chance!
I received an e-book copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS FROM THE MANGA CLASSICS COLLECTION:
Great Expectations | Jane Eyre
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was just about what I expected, if now better! I'm so happy I was finally able to read it fully. It is an abridged version so I can't help but to wonder if there isn't something missing or far too altered that could have made me give this an even higher rating. Because of this I really want to read the unabridged version. Still, this was a monumental read in so many ways and now that I finished it I can't help but to feel sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship
Minor: Slavery, War
I enjoyed this book more than i expected. It kept my interest as well as most modern books, although there were a lot of slow, repetitive parts. But I read somewhere that he got paid by the word.
If you want a real review, there are, I'm sure, hundreds of them, so I won't attempt to compete with them. I'll just say I'm glad I read it after all these years.
If you want a real review, there are, I'm sure, hundreds of them, so I won't attempt to compete with them. I'll just say I'm glad I read it after all these years.
LOVED this book! The way that Edmond Dante so cleverly and incredibly weaves together his plan with each calculated piece is mind-blowing. Definitely worth the read.
I'm finally finished after having been reading this for years. This is a story of revenge! Emund Dantes had a great life. He had a beautiful fiancee and was about to be promoted, but due to others being jealous of him he is accused of treason and thrown in prison. After being imprisoned on the island prison of Chateau D'if for 14 years Dantes escapes and plans his revenge on those who betrayed him taking on the new identity of the Count Monte Cristo.
I had first seen the adaptation of this book from 2002, but that barely scratches the surface of this intricate plot. The book tells so much more than Dantes' story as we see the lives of his betrayers and how he slowly destroys. They each have children and wives whose lives get entangle in the insanity of the story. Like a lot of classics there were some plot points like Haydee that I thought were a bit unnecessary to include. I like the characterization of those like Villefort and Albert, but others like Mercedes and Mondago weren't as appealing as the actors who portrayed them in the movie. At least in the movie Mondago was intimidating and he and Dantes were friends adding to the horror of the betrayal. The Count was snarky, charming, and clever. Despite, that we're taught it is better to forgive, you want him to get his revenge, but I did pity Villefort. The writing was bit challenging at times, but once I got used to it it didn't come as hard to read, just really, really long. If this was adapted again it would benefit from being a television or mini series.
I had first seen the adaptation of this book from 2002, but that barely scratches the surface of this intricate plot. The book tells so much more than Dantes' story as we see the lives of his betrayers and how he slowly destroys. They each have children and wives whose lives get entangle in the insanity of the story. Like a lot of classics there were some plot points like Haydee that I thought were a bit unnecessary to include. I like the characterization of those like Villefort and Albert, but others like Mercedes and Mondago weren't as appealing as the actors who portrayed them in the movie. At least in the movie Mondago was intimidating and he and Dantes were friends adding to the horror of the betrayal. The Count was snarky, charming, and clever. Despite, that we're taught it is better to forgive, you want him to get his revenge, but I did pity Villefort. The writing was bit challenging at times, but once I got used to it it didn't come as hard to read, just really, really long. If this was adapted again it would benefit from being a television or mini series.
I read the Barnes & Nobles abridged version (which Goodreads couples reviews of with the unabridged version). Afterward, I read several chapters from the unabridged version available on Wikisource. Unlike purists, I can safely say I prefer the B&N abridged version. But I'll cover my thoughts on that following the review.
- Review -
Reads like a TV show. Rarely are we granted insights into character thoughts, which I normally like to read, but the narrative flows so well here it is easily forgiven. The story's pacing is near perfect. I can't say I was ever bored - though this comes at a cost. One major character's ending is merely inferred rather explicitly played out and another couple minor characters disappear without any mention. The translation is good, not great - occasional archaic word choices and bland verbs mar what otherwise reads with clarity.
The Count himself is a fantastic character. The book's other players have their moments, but mostly serve to compliment what this story is all about - a journey through the multiple (metaphorical) lives of a man in search of righteousness, joy, and satisfaction. Don't get me wrong, the revenge element tastes sweet, but at the end of the day, it is only part of the Count's tale.
- Abridged vs. Unabridged -
The ideal version of The Count of Monte Cristo is 100-200 pages longer than the version I read (which would result in 400-500 pages less than the unabridged version). I imagine such a version coupled with a better translation is one I would rate 5 stars. Unfortunately, that doesn't exist and likely never will. Which actually available version will most appeal to a reader depends on what flaws the reader is willing to accept.
The abridged version focuses completely on the Count. It cuts everything else in its abridgement (and cuts too much). As I said in the review, some endings are omitted for other characters that most people would enjoy. Background stories on other characters of varying import are also removed. This will leave readers somewhat unsatisfied.
The unabridged version includes chapters and sections wholly unnecessary, ranging from redundant to superfluous. It feels like a raw, unedited book. The notion that the Count of Monte Cristo feels long or progresses slowly comes from this. As this book was written in a Dickensians manner - paid for by the word - Dumas was encouraged to extend the tale past its natural life. This will leave readers somewhat bored.
And that's the crux of your decision when it comes to which version of Monte Cristo to read (because you should certainly read it) - will you pay the price of boredom or dissatisfaction?
Poor pacing is one of my biggest pet peeves - so for me, I will always choose the abridged version, but perhaps will keep an unabridged version on hand for a few missing chapters. I don't begrudge those who prefer unabridged, but there is strong merit for this version (which is usually dismissed). Whatever you choose, don't go with any versions shorter than the B&N copy. I can't imagine cutting another single chapter without degrading the experience.
- Review -
Reads like a TV show. Rarely are we granted insights into character thoughts, which I normally like to read, but the narrative flows so well here it is easily forgiven. The story's pacing is near perfect. I can't say I was ever bored - though this comes at a cost. One major character's ending is merely inferred rather explicitly played out and another couple minor characters disappear without any mention. The translation is good, not great - occasional archaic word choices and bland verbs mar what otherwise reads with clarity.
The Count himself is a fantastic character. The book's other players have their moments, but mostly serve to compliment what this story is all about - a journey through the multiple (metaphorical) lives of a man in search of righteousness, joy, and satisfaction. Don't get me wrong, the revenge element tastes sweet, but at the end of the day, it is only part of the Count's tale.
- Abridged vs. Unabridged -
The ideal version of The Count of Monte Cristo is 100-200 pages longer than the version I read (which would result in 400-500 pages less than the unabridged version). I imagine such a version coupled with a better translation is one I would rate 5 stars. Unfortunately, that doesn't exist and likely never will. Which actually available version will most appeal to a reader depends on what flaws the reader is willing to accept.
The abridged version focuses completely on the Count. It cuts everything else in its abridgement (and cuts too much). As I said in the review, some endings are omitted for other characters that most people would enjoy. Background stories on other characters of varying import are also removed. This will leave readers somewhat unsatisfied.
The unabridged version includes chapters and sections wholly unnecessary, ranging from redundant to superfluous. It feels like a raw, unedited book. The notion that the Count of Monte Cristo feels long or progresses slowly comes from this. As this book was written in a Dickensians manner - paid for by the word - Dumas was encouraged to extend the tale past its natural life. This will leave readers somewhat bored.
And that's the crux of your decision when it comes to which version of Monte Cristo to read (because you should certainly read it) - will you pay the price of boredom or dissatisfaction?
Poor pacing is one of my biggest pet peeves - so for me, I will always choose the abridged version, but perhaps will keep an unabridged version on hand for a few missing chapters. I don't begrudge those who prefer unabridged, but there is strong merit for this version (which is usually dismissed). Whatever you choose, don't go with any versions shorter than the B&N copy. I can't imagine cutting another single chapter without degrading the experience.
The most complex novel in terms of characters and plot I've ever read...required a ton of patience but so worth it! "Read" about 90% of it on Audible this first time using whispersync but I plan to read an annotated version, an abridged version, and watch Jim Caviezel's version soon.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
I think this might be the longest book I have ever read and every single bit of it was worthwhile. Love, love, loved it.
I absolutely love this book! Devoured it in like a week while on vacation in France.