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Nick asked this question about The Count of Monte Cristo:
I would like to read the abridged version but I feel like I might be missing out on a big chunk of the story. Is this true?
Zuzu I am a constant reader, and have been so for over 40 years. My favorite books have been mid-19th to mid-2oth c. I esp'ly like H. James, Edith Wharton,…moreI am a constant reader, and have been so for over 40 years. My favorite books have been mid-19th to mid-2oth c. I esp'ly like H. James, Edith Wharton, Balzac, Wilkie Collins and S. Maugham, T. Dreiser. (My introduction to this particular genre was prob'ly 'Sister Carrie'.

Also John O'Hara, (if you've never read his 'Appointment in Samarra' do so!) Daphne du Maurier, Graham Greene, D.H. Lawrence . etc.

BUT, I had never read any adventure fiction. When I was stuck in a rut for a 'goodread' my very well-read friend suggested 'The Count'.
I thought, 'What! me?'
BUT, that was @ 6 yrs. ago and it is still in my 'TopFive' list. By the way, I was over 50 when I read it!

I know I probably wd. not have read the unabridged version 'til I was in my 30's.Chunky adventure books were not very inviting. But, I was so wrong!

So, I think reading the abridged right now is better than nothing. And if you love the story as much as most readers do, you'll prob'ly run to your library or E-book and immediately dive into the 'real' thing. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' is a gem of adventure, unique, intelligent and it travels a long, checkered road to a well-planned ending. So rare, I think, are appropriate, satisfying endings.

So, dip your toe in the water or dive into a river of total immersion.

Your choice-you can always read the unabridged later or if you're up to it, dive in! Give the unabridged 50 pgs. If you're not totally hooked by then I'll be surprised. (less)
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The Count of Monte Cristo
by Alexandre Dumas
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