The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


*** Possible Spoilers ***

If you don't like mid-nineteenth century literature you won't like this book. It is long and I chose to listen to the audio book because I could do chores or eat meals while listening. It also served as a companion for a two hour drive.

If you're forced to read it for an English class I doubt you'll enjoy it. Younger readers brought up on blockbuster movies and modern literature will likely find it tedious in the extreme. The author spends a copious amount of time describing drawing rooms along with their furnishings as well as other living quarters. In addition, characters do not simply make simple declarative statements but talk around, and around the point, presumably for the sake of politeness.

I enjoyed it but there were times I found it a trifle tough sledding. I think I might have encountered some difficulty had I attempted the print version.

One reason for the verbiage is life in the mid-eighteen hundreds was highly stratified and most people had no access to the upper classes. Therefore reading long descriptive passages provided something of the same fascination modern people might experience when watching programs such as 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'.

At root, this is a story of revenge, but it goes deeper. There are also strong currents of fate and destiny intertwined with some religious themes. There is even a bit of satire tucked away between the covers. Overall, I think it's worth reading, but perhaps an older individual might be a better choice of reader.



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