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

adventurous challenging dark hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

One of my 5 Faves ❤️ of all time, planning a reread in 2021 using a revision of the original translation , Everyman's Library ed. My original read: the Unabridged Penguin Robin Buss translation.

" 'Without reflecting that this is the only moment in which you can study character, ' said the count. 'On the steps of the scaffold death tears off the mask that has been worn through life, and the real face is disclosed.' "

"I know the world is a drawing-room from which we must retreat politely and honestly ; that is with a bow, and all debts of honour paid."
...............................
📍There's an especially graphic description of an execution by macing that some more sensitive readers may find upsetting.📍

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