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A review by marinalikeaboatyard
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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
5.0
well it’s finally happened - i’m experiencing my first real book hangover. what a RIDE. what an absolute BANGER of a book. I wish dumas could see how so many readers are still falling in love with this novel 200 years later, something I found out for certain when I discovered entire subreddits devoted to it. I already miss the characters. not only is CMC beautifully written, but the story is so unbelievably developed that when it all comes together - twist after twist after twist!! - you cannot put it down.
a few notes:
1. I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible this is in terms of ease of reading. having just finished moby dick, I was expecting it to be more difficult. it’s actually quite easy to read, length aside. i would recommend this to a reader who wants to get immersed in a classic novel, dedicate some time, but be able to understand the language/prose.
2. yes, the middle is a bit of a slog - dumas was paid per word! but it is all so necessary to build up the plot points and contrive revenge, and there are lots of great side quests that are fun little stories themselves and relevant to the overall plot. I sometimes struggle with following books like this, and one thing that helps is using stickies at the end of each chapter to summarize key points and developments! also, if i’m confused I never hesitate to check spark notes - it can be a good companion!
3. I always read paper but if you have any arthritis in your hands or get uncomfortable with it heavy books, definitely recommend the ebook!
4. if you are not familiar with french history at all - specifically 1800-~1850, i’d recommend just finding a quick synopsis or timeline so you understand the political machinations. they are KEY to the plot and it’s fairly simple history, so worth reviewing!
I cannot explain how gripped I was in the final 100-200 pages. every single little detail came together and I was literally GASPING at the plot twists.
my only qualm is that like, edmond was a fully grown man when he got arrested and like….no one recognized him?!!! you have to suspend disbelief a bit, but it’s funny to imagine him as the 19th century equivalent of a convict escaping and thinking he won’t be recognized because he’s wearing those fake glasses with the mustache attached.
so if you’re hesitant, do what another amazing reviewer on here said: grab your court-ordered paternity test and circular family tree and go for the ride!!
a few notes:
1. I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible this is in terms of ease of reading. having just finished moby dick, I was expecting it to be more difficult. it’s actually quite easy to read, length aside. i would recommend this to a reader who wants to get immersed in a classic novel, dedicate some time, but be able to understand the language/prose.
2. yes, the middle is a bit of a slog - dumas was paid per word! but it is all so necessary to build up the plot points and contrive revenge, and there are lots of great side quests that are fun little stories themselves and relevant to the overall plot. I sometimes struggle with following books like this, and one thing that helps is using stickies at the end of each chapter to summarize key points and developments! also, if i’m confused I never hesitate to check spark notes - it can be a good companion!
3. I always read paper but if you have any arthritis in your hands or get uncomfortable with it heavy books, definitely recommend the ebook!
4. if you are not familiar with french history at all - specifically 1800-~1850, i’d recommend just finding a quick synopsis or timeline so you understand the political machinations. they are KEY to the plot and it’s fairly simple history, so worth reviewing!
I cannot explain how gripped I was in the final 100-200 pages. every single little detail came together and I was literally GASPING at the plot twists.
my only qualm is that like, edmond was a fully grown man when he got arrested and like….no one recognized him?!!! you have to suspend disbelief a bit, but it’s funny to imagine him as the 19th century equivalent of a convict escaping and thinking he won’t be recognized because he’s wearing those fake glasses with the mustache attached.
so if you’re hesitant, do what another amazing reviewer on here said: grab your court-ordered paternity test and circular family tree and go for the ride!!