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![The Count of Monte Cristo [Abridged] by Alexandre Dumas](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/1qy27ultqt1q86gtbubgprtxmd89)
4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
So while I did enjoy my reread (20+ years later), I found the Count a bit of a slog. And this was only 500 pages. Sometimes the suspense was fantastic, others it lost momentum; the history was engaging, both the French and Italian, but the final romance did not work for me (if it ever did). However, I kind of want to read the full 1000+ pages to see what I missed.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
Okay this was a tough read for me. I was prepared to read an older story with more antiquated language, but this was slow. I read the abridged version, so it was only about 500 pages, but even then it took a lot of willpower to stay with it. I think the premise of the story itself is good, but the amount of time it takes for the plot to move forward is quite long. Also this is a story where there are many different points where there is rising action and then a climax. It's almost like a roller coaster with a lot of bunny hills, one right after the other. I almost got tired of how it just kept going. I suppose I like more of a defined story.
Additionally, one problem with the abridged version is that you can tell some things were lost in the cutting down of the story. I found myself wondering about plot holes here and there where context was cut out. Although I guess this is a given and is to be expected.
Additionally, one problem with the abridged version is that you can tell some things were lost in the cutting down of the story. I found myself wondering about plot holes here and there where context was cut out. Although I guess this is a given and is to be expected.
It is clear that this, much like Dickens, was written as a serial, and likely paid by the word. There were numerous twists and turns, larger than life characters, and repetitive themes that would have played well in a weekly newspaper.
Here’s a secret for you: I really love the story that Dumas is trying to tell with Edmond Dantes. While the revenge plots are fun, interesting, and intricate they really aren’t why I continued reading past the Paris purgatory. While I was watching the 1975 Richard Chamberlin version, Abbe Faria says in a voice over “vengeance belongs to the Lord”, and that he hopes Edmond will turn away from his Arya-like list before it destroys him. This to me was the true heart of this work: what is the cost of forsaking that which matters in the world? The great emotional removal of the Count, his single focus on vengeance, is the destruction of Edmond. Villefort, in his decision to put his own position before the life of another dooms himself. Everyone is made to pay for their turning away from the moral right. Was the Count ethical in his actions, yes. Was he moral? I still don’t know.
https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/the-count-of-monte-cristo-cbr8-76/
book club at Cannonball Read: We had thoughts!
http://cannonballread.com/2016/12/cannonball-book-club-reads-classics-book-chat/
https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/the-count-of-monte-cristo-cbr8-76/
book club at Cannonball Read: We had thoughts!
http://cannonballread.com/2016/12/cannonball-book-club-reads-classics-book-chat/
incredible. the story is immersive and exciting until the very last page.
The greatest glow up the world has ever known . Get yours, Edmond