Thursday, August 20, 2009

Book Review: The Count of Monte Cristo

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.

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

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. :)

Rebecca Reid said...

I 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.

Stephanie said...

You've inspired me to finally read this novel. :-)

Natasha @ Maw Books said...

Oh, oh, oh! I LOVED this book. Read it three or four years ago. And like you said, well worth the read.

Marbel said...

Oh my. You sure are making this book sound good! Not that I need to put another giant book on my reading list!

Leah Courtney said...

I loved the Count of Monte Cristo in high school! I should read it again.

I'm reading some classics for the first time lately too.