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

5.0

I finally read The Count of Monte Cristo, and I’m completely blown away. This is one of the richest, most gripping stories I’ve ever read, with betrayal, revenge & redemption woven into every page. It’s the kind of book that completely consumes you & I savoured all 1,276 pages of it.

Edmond Dantès’ journey is a rollercoaster of heartbreak, hope & retribution that had me hooked every step of the way. Watching him transform from a kind, trusting young man into the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo was utterly fascinating & so deeply emotional. His meticulous plotting & the way every thread tied together left me in awe of Dumas’ genius.

But this story is about so much more than revenge. At its heart, it is also about love, friendship, loyalty & the resilience of the human spirit. As Dumas writes, “All human wisdom is contained in these two words – ‘Wait and Hope.’” It’s a tale of hope & redemption as much as it is one of heartbreak & vengeance.

The supporting characters made the story even richer. Abbé Faria’s wisdom & mentorship were a profound part of Dantès’ transformation, while Haydée’s quiet strength & loyalty completely stole my heart. Mercedes’ story, filled with so much longing & heartbreak, added a layer of emotional depth that has really stuck with me.

I was also struck by how much this story explores the weight of vengeance & the power of forgiveness. Dantès’ journey is not only about seeking justice but also grappling with the moral consequences of his revenge. It asks, can retribution truly bring peace—or is it forgiveness that ultimately heals?

From the claustrophobic despair of Château d’If to the grandeur of Parisian society, Dumas’ worldbuilding is absolutely immersive. I felt like I was traveling across Europe alongside Dantès, swept into the elegance, intrigue & danger of his world.

Lastly, I read the Robin Buss translation & it’s wonderfully accessible while retaining the elegance of Dumas’ prose. If you’re thinking about diving into this classic, I highly recommend this version!

TCOMC isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. It will stay with me forever & I can’t recommend it enough.