The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics)

by Alexandre Dumas, Robin Buss (Translator)

book data

43,265 ratings, 4.17 average rating, 3,369 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		46%
4		31%
3		16%
2		4%
1		1%

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published

May 27th 2003 (first published 1844) by Penguin Classics

binding

Paperback, 1276 pages

characters

Edmond Dantes

isbn

0140449264 (isbn13: 9780140449266)

description

The Count of Monte Cristo is an adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas. It is often considered, along with The Three Musketeers, as Dumas' most popular wo...more

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08/30/07

Cynthia rated it:

(review of isbn 014044615X)

Read in January, 2004

recommends it for: everyone

First, make sure you find a copy that is unabridged. Most editions in English ARE abridged, but usually don't say they are. Not sure if this Penguin edition is, it's not the one i read.
Readers generally think of this as a tale of revenge. For me, it was much deeper. I'm not a religious person at all, but for me this is a book that makes you question the existence of God or a god. Edmond Dantes is without flaw, a truly good person, and his life is ruined because a) others envy him and b) h...more

Like this review? yes (14 people liked it)

4 comments

10/01/08

BunWat rated it:

bookshelves: 2008

Read in November, 2008

Raising my clasped hands to heaven and casting my eyes upward with an indescribable expression of suffering as the vital force deserts my body causing me to fall senseless to the floor only to rise a moment later filled with a restlessness that cannot be assuaged, pacing endlessly, unconsciously twisting and tearing between my ever moving hands a white cambric cloth soaked with the crystalline tears that drop ceaselessly from my swollen orbs, I cry "Why, why is this book so looong!!" ...more

Like this review? yes (13 people liked it)

12 comments

05/19/08

J rated it:

Read in December, 2006

What does it say about me as a critic when the best book I’ve read all year was first serialized in the 1840s? From start to finish thoroughly enjoyable, Alexandre Dumas’ 1200 page revenge epic The Count of Monte Cristo wastes little time in not thrusting the plot along, quite violently so at times, and includes within a brief, sketchy history of the return of Napoleon and his subsequent second defeat, a primer on hashish, and a proto-seed for the detective tale that would later blossom unde...more

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01/31/08

Chris rated it:

bookshelves: classics

Read in January, 2008

Why did no one tell me about this book? I mean seriously, I was about a hundred pages in and I wanted to go find my freshman high school English teacher and inflict terrible, intricate revenge on her for depriving me of a great book. I figured first I could assume a new identity, perhaps insinuating myself into her life. I'd make her trust me and put all her faith in me, and then I would UTTERLY CRUSH HER!!! MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!!

Seriously, this was an awesome book. I am not a big fan of ...more

Like this review? yes (11 people liked it)

4 comments

07/22/08

Abigail rated it:

bookshelves: literature-classics

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: Anyone Considering Revenge / Readers Who Like a Good Adventure Story

One of Alexandre Dumas' most popular works, The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic tale of wrongful imprisonment and masterful revenge, standing at the apex of this kind of nineteenth-century adventure novel. The story of Edmund Dantes, a young sailor from Marseille whose happiness and good fortune arouse the jealousy of his enemies, the novel follows its hero from his terrible years of imprisonment for a crime he didn't commit, through his escape and reinvention of himself as the Count of Monte C...more One of Alexandre Dumas' most popular works, The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic tale of wrongful imprisonment and masterful revenge, standing at the apex of this kind of nineteenth-century adventure novel. The story of Edmund Dantes, a young sailor from Marseille whose happiness and good fortune arouse the jealousy of his enemies, the novel follows its hero from his terrible years of imprisonment for a crime he didn't commit, through his escape and reinvention of himself as the Count of Monte Cristo, a shadowy and charismatic figure who enacts his meticulous plan for revenge against the backdrop of Paris.

As someone passionately interested in issues of translation, I should perhaps begin by mentioning that I read the edition published by Penguin Books as part of their "Penguin Classics" line, translated by Robin Buss. I understand from the introduction that it is the first complete English translation of The Count of Monte Cristo ever made, and I am quite glad that I never happened to read the novel before this edition was released in 2003. I am sure that my enjoyment was enhanced by Buss, who "disappeared" as it were, creating a literary product that never felt "foreign," despite its obvious French milieu.

As for the book itself, this was my first foray into the work of Alexandre Dumas, but I certainly hope it will not be my last. I enjoyed the story immensely, and was amazed at how quickly I flew through the pages. Although quite long (1243 pages of actual text) I never found myself bored or impatient, never got bogged down in minute details, or felt confused by the many sub-plots. This is owing, I am sure, to the fact that The Count of Monte Cristo is narrative-driven, and less given to philosophical musings than a more psychological novel would be. Dumas, after all, is no Russian...

Which brings me to my criticism. Although a most engaging story, with moments of true emotional impact, I found it somewhat lacking in intellectual depth and moral clarity, particularly as it concerned the hero's evolving rationale for his actions. While nothing could be more natural than the desire for revenge, Monte Cristo's vision of himself as an avenging angel of God was problematic for me; not because of the hubris implicit in such a position, but because of its reliance on emotion, rather than reason.

I am aware that this is a hallmark of the Romantic movement, and was therefore unsurprised when Dumas addressed his character's hubris, but not his emotionalism. Nevertheless, Monte Cristo's vacillation between certainty: "Yes, I am the agent of God," and uncertainty: "Perhaps it's wrong to punish the guilty and innocent alike in my quest for vengeance," was unsatisfying and unconvincing, largely because his uncertainty is answered, not by a counter-argument, but by a resurgence of his original anger. The moral ambiguity of this formulation meant that, unlike so many other readers, I was unable to appreciate the novel as a tale of redemption.

I was struck, moreover, by the fact that I often had to read with a "dual consciousness," as it concerned the issues of gender and sexuality. When I could immerse myself in Edmund/Monte Cristo's perspective, when I could become him, I was largely untroubled by the many instances of chauvinism and misogyny. But when I could not become Edmund, I noticed the utter dearth of three-dimensional female characters, and the many ludicrous stereotypes and double-standards. Dumas was a product of his time, and my dissatisfaction with his flaws is tempered by that knowledge. I enjoyed The Count of Monte Cristo, despite my qualms. But it is still a melancholy reality, when we must divorce ourselves from a portion of our own self-knowledge, in order to appreciate a piece of literature...(less)

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9 comments

05/13/08

Bakeshow rated it:

Read in June, 2008

I really think that this is the way I'm going to die. This book is going to kill me...

Ok, So after more than two months of sheer torture, pulling teeth would have been more enjoyable, I finished this book! I hated it! I hate it I hate it I hate it!

Ok, actually, it wasn't all that bad. The first like, 30 chapters totally sucked me in and got me into it. I loved it and was sad I hadn't discovered it before. But then, he goes off on a 40 chapter tangent that just d...more I really think that this is the way I'm going to die. This book is going to kill me...

Ok, So after more than two months of sheer torture, pulling teeth would have been more enjoyable, I finished this book! I hated it! I hate it I hate it I hate it!

Ok, actually, it wasn't all that bad. The first like, 30 chapters totally sucked me in and got me into it. I loved it and was sad I hadn't discovered it before. But then, he goes off on a 40 chapter tangent that just doesn't matter! There was waaaay too much description for my taste. He takes 50 pages to say what I could say in a paragraph. I know it was written in serials... and blah blah blah.. I just don't have the attention span for it.

I actually quit about a third of the way through the book and got it on CD to see if that would help. I still wanted to poke my eyes out. It's not even really about the Count. It spends more time on the substories and their intricate plots. I thought they were cool, and I liked how they were resolved. But it was just annoying.

I was more than halfway through the book and he was still introducing plots and characters... when I'm halfway through a book, I want to be into THE STORY.. it took too long to GET there. Argh...

AND I hated the end. I know it's a differnt time and things were acceptable that aren't really now.. but ending up with the 16 year old? Really? sick. So much for true love and finding a way to make it work with Mercedes.

I did love the poison plot though. I mean, I knew who it was from the get go, but it was still cool, though a little too Romeo and Juliet-ish for me. Only, it ended well instead of the lovers dying.. (almost though, whew!)

My friend who read if for the same book club I did, read the abridged version. 40 chapters less and hundreds of pages. What does that say about this book? that there is an entire full length novel's worth of unimportant drivel that does not add to the story.

Would I recommend it? You wouldn't think by this review, but yes, I would. But just go into it knowing that it's really wordy. A lot like this review. (less)

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3 comments

12/25/08

Becky rated it:

bookshelves: --2009--, 5-star, classics, fiction, owned, owned-read, reviewed, tnbbc-winter-challenge-08

Read in January, 2009

recommends it for: Everyone

Wow. This book was amazing.

I love well-written classics, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Granted, there were some discrepancies, mainly to do with time and ages (saying Mercedes had a portrait of herself done when she was 25 when she really would have been 32, etc), but if I had not been reading this edition, I probably would not have noticed those things. In any event, it did not detract from the story at all.

Pretty much everyone knows what The Count of Monte Cri...more Wow. This book was amazing.

I love well-written classics, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Granted, there were some discrepancies, mainly to do with time and ages (saying Mercedes had a portrait of herself done when she was 25 when she really would have been 32, etc), but if I had not been reading this edition, I probably would not have noticed those things. In any event, it did not detract from the story at all.

Pretty much everyone knows what The Count of Monte Cristo is about, so this isn't going to be a rehash of the plot, but rather the feelings that I had while reading it.

I first have to say that I was enthralled with this book from start to finish. It took me 9 days to read, but I think that if I was not as addicted to Goodreads as I am, I'd have probably finished in half that time.

I'm glad that I read the unabridged version of this story. I'm glad that I was persistent in wanting to experience the nuance of this book, because it was worth it. I'm sure that the abridged editions are exciting, but that's like eating a Hershey's kiss when you could be eating the finest Belgian chocolate. There is just no comparison.

Poor Edmond Dantes broke my heart. After his arrest, when he is taken to prison and spends the entire first night standing in the middle of his cell, crying and alone, it broke my heart. To know that people could be so cruel broke my heart and I wanted revenge for him.

His relationship with Abbe Faria made me happy, because it made Edmond happy. I couldn't imagine the kind of torture it must be like to never be able to speak to another person. So, for being subjected to that fate, on a whim, I prayed for him to get his revenge.

I was glad when he did, and it was a beautiful thing. Intricately woven, well planned, and executed perfectly. At times, I felt that The Count was a bit cruel, but I realize that it was necessary for him to detach himself from those whose punishment he was delivering. Danglars got off easiest, which did slightly disappoint me, as he was the mastermind behind Dantes misfortune, but I understand Dantes decision in allowing him to live, and I think that it was the right one. Danglars will, until his dying day, know what forgiveness and mercy is, and wonder why he should have been granted his pardon when by all rights Dantes could have made him suffer endlessly. I hope it drives him mad.

But listen to me... I'm talking about these people as if they are real. They felt real. I had dreams about this story, and reading it wasn't so much reading as experiencing.

I would highly recommend this book. If you haven't already read it, do so. Now.

...Why are you still reading this? (less)

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9 comments

06/16/08

Erie rated it:

bookshelves: all-time-favorit, book-to-movies, classic

Do you believe in karma?

So, okay, sometimes intentionally or not we make an awful, rash, bad, or wrong decisions. Decisions we pretty much recognize we're going to grieve over afterwards (sooner or later)
But still...
Once in a blue moon, something deep down inside us decides to conduct an unwise and brainless thing, a thing we conscioulsy aware will doubtless turn around and kick us in the ass! yet we do it anyway...

What I'm trying to say to say is..
We re...more

Like this review? yes (4 people liked it)

58 comments

01/26/08

Olivia rated it:

bookshelves: classic

Read in June, 2007

recommended to Olivia by: English class

An essay for English-again, not that great.

The classic French novel, The Count of Monte Cristo was written by Alexandre Dumas. The setting of The Count of Monte Cristo is very important as the politics of the day greatly affect the plot. It takes place primarily in France after the exile of the former emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. The novel begins in 1815 with Napoleon exiled to Elba and continues through the years after his failed revolution to1844.

The protagonist of T...more An essay for English-again, not that great.

The classic French novel, The Count of Monte Cristo was written by Alexandre Dumas. The setting of The Count of Monte Cristo is very important as the politics of the day greatly affect the plot. It takes place primarily in France after the exile of the former emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. The novel begins in 1815 with Napoleon exiled to Elba and continues through the years after his failed revolution to1844.

The protagonist of The Count of Monte Cristo is Edmond Dantes, a naïve but good-hearted sailor, who is falsely accused of treason. He is employed by the honest owner of a shipping company, Monsieur Morrel. Count of Monte Cristo is one of several aliases a bitter Dantes adopts after his imprisonment. Before he is arrested, Dantes lives with his father, Louis Dantes, and is engaged to marry a beautiful girl, Mercedes. Mercedes is admired by and later marries Fernand Mondego, one of the men who conspire against Dantes. Mondego is aided in framing Dantes by Danglars, an envious sailor who was passed over for a promotion given to Dantes and Gerard de Villefort, an ambitious prosecutor with the misfortune of having a Bonapartist father. While in prison, Dantes befriends a fellow prisoner, Abbe Faria, who becomes his mentor. Dantes is greatly affected by Abbe Faria; it is he who helps Dantes discover the plot against him, teaches him science and several languages, provides his great wealth and enables his escape from Chateau Dif. After his escape, Dantes meets children of both his friends and enemies from his life before his incarceration. Maximilian Morrel is a good man and the son of Dantes’s former employer, Monsieur Morrel. Maximilian is in love with a kind, young girl, Valentine de Villefort daughter of Gerard de Villefort- the prosecutor who sentenced Edmond. Albert de Morcerf, a spoiled but loyal young man, is the son of Dantes’s former fiancée, Mercedes, and his nemesis, Fernand Mondego. Then there is Haydee, the slave girl Dantes grows to love whose tragic history is vital to the ruining of Fernand Mondego.

The Count of Monte Cristo is the story of Edmond Dantes, a kind sailor who is imprisoned under false charges of treason. After fourteen years in the prison Chateau Dif, Dantes escapes, but he is irreversibly altered. He is no longer naïve and ignorant but learned, callous and thirsty for vengeance. Dantes acquires a great deal of wealth and makes new names for himself: Lord Wilmore, Abbe Busoni, Sinbad the Sailor and Count of Monte Cristo. As he plans the downfall of his betrayers, Dantes discovers that by destroying them he has allowed himself to become as evil as they. After this epiphany, he repents and extends mercy to his remaining enemy. In the end, he returns to Chateau Dif, to visit his cell and is finally able to let go of his bitterness and find peace.

The climax of the story is the success of the Count of Monte Cristo’s meticulous quest for revenge against the people responsible for robbing him of his happiness by sending him to prison. While he was imprisoned, Edmond Dantes vowed that he would have vengeance against the people who put him there. Thus, from the moment he escapes, his entire focus is on ruining the lives of these individuals as thoroughly as they ruined his. He continues along this path without remorse until his plans go wrong, and he unintentionally causes the death of Monsieur de Villefort’s young son. This sobering event forces him to realize his own cruelty.

An important theme in The Count of Monte Cristo is the Count’s struggle with his God-complex. Consumed by his desire for revenge, the Count feels that he alone can see that justice is done against Villefort, Caderousse, Danglars, and Fernand, and he is completely unscrupulous in his methods of carrying it out. He decides who deserves to live and who deserves to die and plans their demise accordingly. The Count sees all the hypocrisy and cruelty in others and punishes them for it, but he sees none of these vices in himself. Toward the end of the novel, the Count understands that he is not immune to human weakness and that by seeking revenge against these people he is behaving as mercilessly and selfishly to them as they were to him.

The Count of Monte Cristo is not my favorite book, but it is not my least favorite either. There are aspects of The Count of Monte Cristo that I think Dumas executed marvelously. The plot, for instance, is amazingly detailed, and the characterization is wonderful. Dumas had so many characters in this novel, yet he was able to make each one unique and portray them in such a way that we, the readers, understand them and their motivations. I love character driven stories so, for me, connecting with and understanding the characters is the most important facet of a story. The Count of Monte Cristo has several great, round characters, even if they are not my personal favorite. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.
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09/29/08

Whitelady3 rated it:

(review of isbn 0736614710)

bookshelves: audiobook, own

Read in January, 2009

I read it a couple of years ago and, since I don't have the book with me at the moment, I picked up the audiobook. It's simply wonderful, magnificent.

Having read it before doesn't make it shine less, on the contrary, I loved it even more. I don't think it is a book about vengeance; it has more of hope than vengeance. Is hope that keeps Dantès alive, even if to get back at those who done him wrong, in Château d'If. Is hope of making bad things good that moves his vengeance.

...more

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04/20/08

Kris rated it:

bookshelves: own-it

Read in January, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Our book club read The Count of Monte Cristo during December/January. I chose the unabridged version (1200+ pages), but it was worth it! This version (published by Penguin) was recently translated, so the language wasn't stilted or awkward. It was quite easy to read.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this book, it takes place in the early 1800's in France. The hero is Edmond Dantes, who is a dashing young sailor when we first meet him. However, he has an enemy who is jealous o...more Our book club read The Count of Monte Cristo during December/January. I chose the unabridged version (1200+ pages), but it was worth it! This version (published by Penguin) was recently translated, so the language wasn't stilted or awkward. It was quite easy to read.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this book, it takes place in the early 1800's in France. The hero is Edmond Dantes, who is a dashing young sailor when we first meet him. However, he has an enemy who is jealous of his good fortune, and this enemy puts into motion the steps that will find poor Edmond falsely accused of treason and sentenced to life in prison in a dungeon. While imprisoned, Edmond connects with a fellow prisoner, who is tunneling out for an escape. This other prisoner is a learned Abbe, and educates Edmond in literature, science, language, psychology, philosophy, etc. The Abbe becomes so attached to Edmond that he tells him of a secret cache of uncountable riches. Edmond manages to escape (in a most daring and spine-tingling manner), and finds this treasure - on the island of Monte Cristo. With his riches, Edmond plans to reward those who were kind to him and his family during this ordeal, and to punish those who imprisoned him. Of course, no one knows who he is, as he now calls himself 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.

The book is essentially in three parts: the first part where Edmond is in prison, the second part where he rewards those who were kind to him, and the last part where he gets his revenge. This last part was the most entertaining for me - Edmond doesn't just want revenge, he wants to make them suffer for a long, long time. It's very interesting to see him set up these elaborate situations that basically enable each of enemy to be undone by his own foibles - greed, money, power. When each man falls, it's pretty impressive.

I also learned a lot about French society at the time, as well as some Napoleonic history. I was surprised at the amount of sex in the book, given when it was written. While the sex is not explicit, there's a lot of it happening, and not between married couples! There's even a lesbian character. Somehow I thought that books of that era were pretty G-rated. But, maybe not in France!

If you do read it, I suggest you find some way to track the characters and their relationships with one another. Silly me, while I was reading it I didn't think to look online for such an aid, so I mapped out my own diagram. Now I've found a very good diagram here.

I also read some commentaries about the novel, and about its style. Dantes is a perfect example of a Romantic hero: dashing, talented and possessing skills above the norm. And the novel is an example of a Romantic novel, where the hero overcomes all, and everything gets wrapped up into a happy ending.

Definitely a good read - all 1200+ pages!!
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12/27/07

Elizabeth rated it:

Read in January, 2008

I did it! I made it through 1,365 pages--I seriously had trouble putting this book down but it was so heavy that it hurt my wrists--ha ha! Thanks, Dymphna, for the suggestion. This DRAMATIC book has everything: romance, revenge, intrigue, suffering, triumph, poisoning, suicide, cross dressing, disguises, politics, power, control, greed, subterfuge, ingenuity, blackmail, murder, mystery, resurrection, fortune, betrayal, brilliance, trial, infidelity, a spoiled brat!, swindling, titles, treasure,...more

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12/13/07

Sylvia rated it:

Read in August, 2007

I can see why this book is a classic. The story is intricate, the writing sophisticated, and the plot masterful. However, the reason that it only gets three stars is because of the main character--Edmond Dantes. I found him to be entirely incongruent. Why was he portrayed as the hero? Why was he the good guy? His revenge was merciless; his cruelty was unlimited. He threw around his money like it was some sort of weapon. He was deceitful, hateful, and greedy. Yet, Dumas portrays him as v...more

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16 comments

11/14/08

Teri rated it:

Read in December, 2008

I have read this book about 4 times and I would give the abridged version 5 stars but this unabridged I'm giving 4. Surprisingly the sections that have been "cut out" don't really add that much to the story and I didn't really learn anything new.

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11 comments

04/16/08

Eliza rated it:

This is by far the longest book I've ever read, and I had to keep notes on the characters, since their relationships and roles were difficult to keep straight. It was ALSO perhaps the most satisfying read I've ever had. An amazing story of the weaving of the most elaborate revenge...If you've seen the movie, you have no idea what this book is about. I highly recommend it!!!

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01/19/09

Jemmuel rated it:

A classic. An amazing book. A very long read...but worth every letter.

This epic story is of Edmund Dantes, who is rich, handsome, and has the love of his life. Until, that is, his jealous foes intercede and destroy his life. As the story progresses, it turns into the greatest and well brought out revenge story, along with the glimpses of romance and allegiance and life. Alexander Dumas wrote an amazing book, and captures your attention page after page.

Alexander looks i...more

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02/04/09

Laura rated it:

(review of isbn 1904633366)

Read in March, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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07/11/08

Dulac3 rated it:

This is one of the books that I keep coming back to and re-reading whenever the urge strikes...and it strikes quite often; five times so far. Considering the sheer length of the book that might seem odd, but Dumas keeps things moving with his breakneck pace from the moment that poor Edmond Dantes is wrongly imprisoned by jealous rivals until the final consummation of his intricate plan of revenge.

Despite the speed at which Dumas keeps the plot moving, we are still treated to an in-de...more

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04/23/08

nanto rated it:

bookshelves: buku-dan-film, nant-s-book, novel

Pertama kali nemu di Gramedia JL. Merdeka Bandung begitu senangnya. Wuih...buku klasik dari penulis kenamaan Perancis saya bisa punyai. Nyempil di pojokan rak bawah, tinggal satu-satunya. Udah lecek dan kayaknya kelupaan dibalikin ke gudang deh. Cerita waktu dapet buku Max Havelaar kayaknya terulang neh! Buku ini sepertinya bakal jadi koleksi yang harus ditandai khusus biar gak raib.

Membacanya pun semangat. Alurnya yang panjang dan intrik balas dendam yang saling-silang itu demikian ...more Pertama kali nemu di Gramedia JL. Merdeka Bandung begitu senangnya. Wuih...buku klasik dari penulis kenamaan Perancis saya bisa punyai. Nyempil di pojokan rak bawah, tinggal satu-satunya. Udah lecek dan kayaknya kelupaan dibalikin ke gudang deh. Cerita waktu dapet buku Max Havelaar kayaknya terulang neh! Buku ini sepertinya bakal jadi koleksi yang harus ditandai khusus biar gak raib.

Membacanya pun semangat. Alurnya yang panjang dan intrik balas dendam yang saling-silang itu demikian mudahnya saya kebut dalam 1-2 hari. Maklum sedang melarikan diri dari skripsi...hehehe

Ceritanya nempel di kepala dan bukunya jelas letaknya di kamar kost. Selalu wanti-wanti kalo ada yang pinjem.

Tidak lama sesudah membacanya, saya sempat jalan-jalan ke Palasari. Hunting lagi buku keren lainya donk! Kali aja dapat yang lain yang lebih wuih!!!

Kebiasaan saya kalau ke situ adalah selalu menyempatkan melihat ke dua toko yang hanya menjual buku sastra. Kedua toko ini memang jadi patokan saya kalau main ke Palasari, khususnya untuk cari novel dan sebangsanya. Usai ke toko yang pertama, saya pindah ke toko kedua. Toko kedua ini biasanya buka lebih siang dari yang lain. Sekitar lepas lohor baru buka. Tapi si bapak pemilik toko yang kedua ini asyik diajak ngobrol soal isi buku dan diskonnya sering lebih besar dari toko satunya lagi. Tokonya kecil dan penataan bukunya agak sembarangan alias tidak rapih. Mata saya biasanya celingak-celinguk di antara tumpukan di pojok bawah atau di dekat langit-langit. Barangkali ada buku lawas yang masih tersimpan di sini. Sisa stok lama yang ngendon di toko ini dan tidak terjual sejak si bapak pemilik toko mendapatkannya dari penerbit.

Mata saya mulai dari tumpukan buku yang keliatannya buku lawas. Ada satu tumpukan buku di pojok dekat langit-langit. Dari warnanya jelas bukan buku yang baru datang dari penerbit. Kertasnya sudah kecoklatan. Ah! Buku jenis ini yang saya cari...

"Pak liat buku itu donk!" Karena sisi pinggir cover tidak jelas menjelaskan judulnya, saya sambung lagi, "Buku apaan tuh pak?"

"Monte Cristo!" Sambil mengambil satu buku dari tumpukan yang cukup tinggi, jelas koleksinya masih banyak sekali. Si bapak lalu menaruhnya di depan saya...

Saya membolak-balik beberapa halamannya. Dalam hati berdesir kalimat bijak, "buku di rumah sebenernya buku langka kok, yang ini cuma kloningnya aja!" Membesarkan hati yang jelas mendadak kisut...(karena gak pake shampo kaka' kali yah? :D)

Ternyata pasaran!!!

Tapi isinya tetep keren kok! Bener keren!(less)

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8 comments

04/22/08

Lara rated it:

recommends it for: Anyone who likes intrigue and action, and people who can handle an unperfect ending.

This is my favorite book! I love the plot twists and turns, I love the evolution/de-evolution of Edmond Dantes, I love the conspiracies, I love the perfection of it all! So, it may not be the most probable of stories, but that's how romance fiction works.

Edmond Dantes is a young man with a happy life ahead of him. He has just been promoted to captain and is engaged to a beautiful girl. Some jealous "friends" frame him for being a Bonapartist and he is wrongly sent to priso...more This is my favorite book! I love the plot twists and turns, I love the evolution/de-evolution of Edmond Dantes, I love the conspiracies, I love the perfection of it all! So, it may not be the most probable of stories, but that's how romance fiction works.

Edmond Dantes is a young man with a happy life ahead of him. He has just been promoted to captain and is engaged to a beautiful girl. Some jealous "friends" frame him for being a Bonapartist and he is wrongly sent to prison. He remains there, seemingly forgotten, for years without knowing who has framed him. Another prisoner, the Abbe Faria, tunnels in Edmond's cell in a misguided escape attempt. They befriend each other and the Abbe educates Edmond in all things--foreign languages, math, chemistry, art, literature. With his logic and education, the Abbe helps Edmond piece together his imprisonment and Edmond knows who stole his life away. As the Abbe approaches death, he wills Edmond his fortune--a vast treasure hidden away. Edmond eventually escapes prison only to discover his old life is gone. His fiancee married another, his father died of poverty and hunger, and his kind employer is on the brink of financial ruin. Edmond retrieves his treasure and names himself the Count of Monte Cristo. He declares himself an avenging angel and seeks to ruin the lives of those who ruined his, and reward those who deserve it. For about a decade he orchestrates his revenge, an elaborate scenario that takes immense foresight and perfection. Like dominoes, he carefully sets each piece in place before starting the action that will ruin the wicked and reward the righteous. His education and unlimited wealth enable him to see this through.

The Edmond Dantes at the beginning of the story is a happy, hopeful, likeable young man. By the end of the story, he is tainted, cold, and hard. It is not a story of just vengeance so much as it is a parable that justice should be left to God. Though many years of his life were stolen from him while he was in prison, he let his quest for vengeance steal the rest of his years.

All the movies made based on this book are awful. They all change the ending so it is happy. That is completely against the message of the tale. Edmond does not get the girl, he does not find rest and bliss. In destroying others, he destroys himself. He does good deeds for other deserving individuals, and these deserving individuals become more of the heroes the reader roots for. The ending leaves some hope for Edmond--with his mission of vengeance completed, he may now find room in his heart for kindness and love.

It is a brilliant plot and just a whole lot of fun. Who wouldn't want to be the count with untold wealth, power, and mystery? He's a very intriguing character. I read the abridged version my junior year in high school and loved it. I'm currently reading the unabridged version. It is so much better! It's like the director's cut. So much more of the good stuff.
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