Twelve-hundred and forty-three pages with really small print—and The Penguin Classic unabridged version of The Count of Monte Cristo was well worth it. Again, I must ask as I did with the classics Things Fall Apart and A Death in the Family, why have I never read this before?
Alexandre Dumas is a master storyteller, and this is an amazing story. Even though this book took me an uncharacteristic 3 weeks to read, it's not because the story wasn't riveting. It's just a really hefty book! The Count is one of those books I thought about a lot during the time I was reading it and couldn't wait to get the kids in bed so I could have my reading time. I lived in the world of wronged Edmund Dantes for three weeks, and I really miss it. This is one of those books that positively captures the reader.
So the story goes that Edmund Dantes, a young sailor who is filled with good will and integrity, is wrongly accused, on the night of his betrothal, by a couple of greedy, jealous men. And although the crown prosecutor believes in his innocence, he condemns Dantes to prison.
And for the rest of the story: read the book. It is truly a masterpiece.
This is one of my all time favorite books. I've read it 2-3 times, but it's been a while. I might have to pick it up again. :)
ReplyDeleteI liked the first 600 pages and then it got dull and then it got better again. But it was 5 years ago or so that I read it. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It wasn't my favorite, but it was a good experience.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to finally read this novel. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, oh, oh! I LOVED this book. Read it three or four years ago. And like you said, well worth the read.
ReplyDeleteOh my. You sure are making this book sound good! Not that I need to put another giant book on my reading list!
ReplyDeleteI loved the Count of Monte Cristo in high school! I should read it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading some classics for the first time lately too.