The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo first took the world by storm in 1844, but it claimed my
imagination and attention 180 years later. This atmospheric book leaves you wanting to
stay in 19th century France, forever following the life of Edmond Dantès. Both complex and
simple, this a long, winding narrative about the misfortunes and fortunes of one man and
all the lives his life touches. I loved following all of the many threads of the story and seeing
how they wove together and connected to make one massive, masterful story. The
conversations are so vivid and interesting that they… show more.

I had read it decades ago and forgotten many of the details so wanted to revisit it. Despite length, complexity, and slowness at times, it was a worthwhile reading experience and deserves its status as an enduring classic.

I love this book because it taught me so much about myself. When I read it as a teen, I was enthralled with Edmond’s exciting revenge plots against those who had wronged him. When he decides at the end that he’s gone too far, it seems like an afterthought. But as an adult, I see it differently.

Now, it’s clear that his regret at the end IS the point because he spent so much time becoming as cruel as those that he hated. By focusing on his enemies, he couldn’t be there for those who had loved him. His grand… show more.

This is the single greatest work of fiction ever written, reaching heights close to perfection. A life-changing read with utterly fascinating plots and caricatures that swallows hours with joyous ease.

This book is the book I set all other books against as the ultimate judge to decide its ultimate rating, thus making the Count of Monte Cristo the perfect ten.

As of now, I’m still reading this one at bedtime (nobody spoil the end). It might be the only physical book I’ve bought for myself all year. So far it’s one of my favorites. I know the general outline, but I’m enjoying the sneaking around, the treasure hunting, and the prison escape. The set up is a bit outlandish but that suits me.

It still feels believable, even with the chain of unlikely events. There’s a certain truthfulness that comes from the idea that a few people might conspire to ruin someone's life out of envy, and perhaps boredom. The… show more.

I read this adventure novel when I was feeling vengeful against society. When I still hadn’t managed to get past being labeled as a murderer.

It focuses on the themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness. It made me think about the future and that the mindset I had at that moment wasn’t helpful to me. Nor was it one I needed to hold on to. It also taught me about the difference between being ignorant and dumb. This gave me hope for my own future and helped motivate me to get educated.

Like Ulysses of the Odyssey and Jean Valjean of Les Miserable, Edmond Dantès, The Count of Monte Cristo has been etched into our collective consciousness by writer, Alexander Dumas.

Dantès’ betrayal by Girard de Villefort, Dantès’ loss of Mercedes, his escape from the infamous Château d’If, and the noble way he honored the freedom and gold bequeathed by Abbé Faria make him a timeless hero whose strength in the presence of evil and kindness in the presence of greed inspires those who read Dumas’ book.

When teaching creative writing to prisoners with life sentences, I offer a copy of The… show more.

The Count of Monte Cristo (Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel by French author Alexandre Dumas (père) in 1844. The book is timeless, and that’s why I am recommending it. It is as relevant today as it was a century ago. It also inspired me to fall in love with the revenge genre. But, of course, having the burning desire to settle a few scores myself was the primary reason I started writing.

Bonjour mes amis et bienvenue sur l'île de Monte Cristo! I have read and reread this book in all the different platforms: print, digital, audio. And each time, I find myself completely immersed in the multitude of plots, characters, twists, and adventures. Some might find they need a road map to keep everything together. And to them I would say, welcome to reality in a fictitious world! How expertly Dumas brought this world of pirates, love, treason, and vengeance to life! The many plots drive the story in a truly radical and miraculous way, keeping its reader glued page… show more.

Said to be one of the best books ever written, this huge novel is very hard to put down. Dumas had an incredible knack for telling complex tales that are still easy to read. This is a tale of adventure with the main character being imprisoned for many years and his cunning escape and plans for his future go on a journey of many paths. I read this during lockdown and it was a pleasure to do so as there were so many cliffhangers that were believable. An astonishing author and well worth devoting a couple of months to.