A review by tmrobeson
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

4.0

This is such a huge tome that if I were to write a serious review, it would take many more characters than allowed by Goodreads. Overall, I loved the book. With many characters covered, it was like reading several separate novels wherein the cast all inhabit the same world, and are skillfully woven to intersect at the point of Edmunds Dantes.

Because I have neither the time nor space, I'll just post a few likes and dislikes here.

Liked:
1) the intricate, winding story
2) some of the turns of phrases that were so beautiful, they made me sigh
3) the historical background/setting; Son2 and I have just been reading about this particular time period in France and it was nice to be able to understand the broader context of the society at that point
4) Dumas' attention to details

Disliked:
1) that there were so many characters, often with more than one name and/or title...but that's just me; I have trouble remember names and too many characters in a story really confuses me
2) the frequency of unnecessary flowery language; I know it's common for literature of that period, but it does get my eyes rolling
3) the inherent sexism and barbarism of the period; really? Dueling is an acceptable excuse to kill a fellow human (and a friend at that, just because you perceive they have "dishonored" your family names)??

And maybe it's the particular translation (I wish I knew enough French to read it in the original language), but if I hear or see the words "countenance" or "singular" one more time, I shall scream.

Aside from that, this book was pretty terrific, well worth the time spent reading it.