The Count of Monte Cristo

[Lisa]

Myself and Sarah are going to be reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas in May.

We will be starting on Monday 5th May with an open-ended completion date. If anyone would like to join in with us, you are more than welcome.

[Cherie]

I read this in high school and loved it so much. I have forgotten so much over the years. I am not sure I can join you, but if I can get my hands on a copy - I might.

[Kirila]

I also read this in high school and loved it. It is still one of my favorite books. Enjoy :)

[Travis]

Interested but just not ready for a commitment right now. See what my schedule is like once you guys start

[Laura]

He is wonderful, I totally agree. Well, I've only read Count, but based on that, I have to say he's a stupendous writer. I don't see how you all can go wrong with this choice.

I hope you totally love it as I did a couple of years ago. I've never been so happy to be stuck inside a brickety brick as I was with that one. I'll be following your discussion and cheering everyone on!

[Lisa]

Thanks everyone! Reading all your comments about how much you enjoyed this has made me even more excited to read it! And I was excited to begin with! :)

[Laura]

Oh Lisa, you are in for a treat!

[Tanya]

I am definitely interested in joining you, but have to see how many of my review books I finish first. I really hope I can join you!

[Sarah]

Are you starting this today Lisa?

[Lisa]

Yes, I am planning on starting it this evening Sarah. What about you?

[Sarah]

I'm thinking of starting it tomoz most likely. I'm gunna start The Angel's Game in a little while. I'm at 91% of Anna Karenina at the mo, and really want to finish it before I start this next chunkster. Really enjoying it though. I've just got to the last part of the book now, so about 34 chapters to go, give or take.

[Lisa]

No worries. You will catch me up in no time. I am so glad you are enjoying 'Anna'. I am about 30% of the way through 'The Angel's Game'. I think it is really good so far. I hope you enjoy it too! :)

[Sarah]

I'd quite like to see the film on it now. Have you seen it I can't remember if I asked you that =/ Sorry. Oh and also I shall get back to your message after I finished the book was busy yesterday and had a few bad days last week.

Ooh you're doing well then, pretty quick too =D I really enjoyed the first one. Did you say it was set before Daniel's time?

[Laura]

*pokes head in* ((((((((Sarah)))))))))

*unpokes*

[Lisa]

I haven't seen the film Sarah but really want to. I will probably watch it once I have read the book. Don't worry, you haven't asked me that before. At least, I don't think you have. Lol. Also, don't worry about the message. Just reply whenever you feel up to it.

Hehe, it is pretty quick for me. I am usually really slow. Yes, 'The Angel's Game' is set before 'The Shadow of the Wind' but there are a couple of links to that story which I won't spoil for you ;)

[Sarah]

Thanks Laura =] *huggles*

I've just finished and really liked it, I'll have to find it and have it sent with my next Lovefilm. I watched the trailer, I like Jude Law and I know your not so keen on her but I don't mind Kiera Knightly as 'Anna'. I can't wait to see who plays Levin and Kitty, those 2 are defo my favourites.

Thanks hopefully later or tomoz, I shall get round to the reply for you =]

Ooh okay, very interested, I want to start right now, but feel I need a little break, so will have dinner and maybe watch something before I start it. I have 'The Great Gatsby' from Lovefilm so may well wacth that. Have you seen that?

[Lisa]

Wow, you got through it really quickly Sarah! I hope you enjoy the film too. I think the actress who plays Kitty is a Swedish actress called Alicia Vikander. I saw her in a Danish film from 2012 called 'A Royal Affair' and she was great in it. The reviews I read of 'Anna' said she was really good as Kitty too. No idea who plays Levin though.

I have 'The Great Gatsby' on dvd but haven't watched it yet. It looks pretty amazing!

[Sarah]

Oh man, I thought it took me ages to get through that, I started the 21st, it was a Kindle read though and one page on there isn't really like a proper full page on a book, so I think that has something to do with it a bit on there is about 3-4 ebook pages. Does that make sense?

Alicia does look a little like what I imagined Kitty would look like. I can't wait to rent it now =D

The Great Gatsby is longer than 2 hours.. ooh my, so should start reading again at about 11pm. I'll let you know what I think =]

[Lisa]

That is still very fast! It took me *cough* nearly 2 months to read! Whoops! Lol.

Enjoy 'The Great Gatsby' :)

[Sarah]

Hehe, it is a realllllly long book. This one's even longer. How many pages in your version?

Ooh it was really good film. I liked like techniques they used in it, it was quite different, bf liked it too =]

[Lisa]

Yay! I am glad you and your bf enjoyed 'The Great Gatsby'! I will definitely try and watch it soon.

My edition of 'The Count' is 1276 pages. Some of it is additional material though. I think the actual story is around 1240 pages. How long is your edition?

I have started and am up to Chapter VI (page 52). Wow, is the word that springs to mind so far! It is really fast-paced and a lot has happened in the first 5 chapters. I am also finding it easy to read and I like the writing style.

I think (view spoiler)[Edmund Dantés is really sweet. I felt so sorry for him in Chapter 5 when he got arrested on his wedding day. The poor guy hasn't done anything wrong! (hide spoiler)]

In Chapter 2, (view spoiler)[I enjoyed reading about Edmund's relationship with his father. It sounds like they have a very close relationship so it is little wonder that Dantés senior was so devastated and mortified when Edmund was placed under arrest! (hide spoiler)]

I already (view spoiler)[severely dislike Danglars and Fernand. What a couple of schemers! And all because they were jealous of Edmund, Danglars because he wanted to be made captain himself and Fernand because he wanted to marry Mercédès! Carderousse is slightly better in that he did try and stand up for Edmund initially but now, even he doesn't want to get his hands dirty! Who needs enemies when you have 'friend's' like him! (hide spoiler)]

I can't wait to see what will happen next!

[Sarah]

I think you'll like it, especially if you liked the book. The book was a little confusing in some parts, but the film helped clear it up for me =]

Hmm well I have this edition: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Count-Cristo-... and it doesn't actually say =/ nor on Goodreads haha. Hmm I'll just work out the % as I go along.

Ooh, zoomed through those 50 pages hehe. That's good. I'm in the mood for fast paced at the moment. Anna was pretty long. I'm up to Chapter 3 in 'Angel's Game' so far.

[Lisa]

Ooh, sounds good! I loved the book so it sounds like I should enjoy the film :D

Oh no, that is bit awkward not knowing how long your copy is. One of the reviews of your edition said it was over 1000 pages so it is probably a similar length to mine.

Hehe, yes I got through the first few chapters pretty quickly. I doubt I will get through all of them that quick but we'll see.

Enjoy 'Angel's Game'! :)

[Sarah]

Yes, I'm pretty sure you will then. I think Leonardo did a good job as Gatsby, and I like Tobey Maguire anyway, I liked him in Spider Man =]

It is a bit, naughty book. Still a big bookey then XD

I can't wait to start on it tomoz.

Thank you, will do.

[Lisa]

I read a couple more chapters and am now up to Chapter IX (page 83).

(view spoiler)[Poor Edmond! He really is in a horrible predicament and all he is guilty of is honouring the promise that he made to his dying captain! And for being a bit too trusting! (hide spoiler)]

In Chapter VII, (view spoiler)[I really thought that Villefort was going to help Edmond. I couldn't believe it when he went back on his word! And all because he was worried that his reputation would be damaged if word got out that one of the letters that Dantès carried was addressed to his (Villefort's) father. The word 'coward' springs to mind! Edmond trusted him and he let him down. To make it worse, now it appears that he is going to try and use this case in order to better his own situation, no doubt by pushing for a promotion. He clearly has no real honour at all. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter VIII- (view spoiler)[the Château d'If sounds horrible! It is little wonder that prisoners often lose their minds while incarcerated there! I get the impression that Edmond is actually quite tough underneath the surface so hopefully, when the initial shock and despair passes, he will be able to withstand whatever the Château throws at him. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Hello. I've been reading a fair amount of Angel's today and only about an hou ago started reading this. I haven't read loads, just up to chapter 3 but (view spoiler)[I agree, I enjoyed reading about his relationship with his father he does seem like just a nice character, very caring.

I really don't like the sounds of these two characters - Danglers and Caderousse. Especially Danglers, he seems to have it in for Dantes =[ Caderousse seems like a greedy character to me already, the way he was eyeing up the gold and silver on the tablet and taking money away from his father when Dante's was at sea. Pfft. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

I am up to Chapter XIV (page 120).

Chapter IX- (view spoiler)[I was glad that Villefort felt some guilt over Dantès and I hope it continues to weigh on his mind. Seeing as he has basically ruined Dantès' life, I think it is the least he deserves. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XIII- (view spoiler)[I was glad to see that Morrel hasn't given up on Dantès and that he tried to get him released. Villefort was up to his old tricks again, promising Morrel one thing and then doing the complete opposite! *shakes fist*. What a pity that Morrel isn't a particularly good judge of character!

I was sad to hear that Dantès' father died at the end of the chapter. It sounds like the grief and pain of losing Edmond was too much for him to bear. I just hope someone at least has the decency to send word of his death to Edmond at the Chateau. Sadly, I think that may be too much to ask.

I hate the way that Fernand is now creeping up to Mercèdes! I know she has no idea what he has done and therefore has no reason not to trust him but I still feel like shouting at her to keep him at a distance and not to be taken in by him. Argh, so frustrating! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Oh gosh, got some catching up to do. I'm up to Chapter 6. I have been tired so not taking it properly so stopped. I'll come back to it tomoz.

[Lisa]

I completely understand where you are coming from. There is a lot to take in, what with all the characters, historical context etc, and it is hard to get your head around it all when you are tired. I am only reading a few chapters each day myself because I want to make sure that I am taking it all in properly. I hope you feel nice and refreshed again soon! :)

[Sarah]

Yes definitely a lot to take in. I don't know much about french history was I keep looking up stuff. Which I don't mind but then getting back into the story I usually have to reread the paragraph again. I had to read Chapter 5 twice made much more sense the second time through.

I think it is one of those books isn't it where you take in a bit at a time. It's such a huge book I think I'll go nice and slow for a change =]

Thanks.

[Sarah]

Have you noticed a few refences to this book in 'Angel's Game'? The Count of Monte Cristo was mentioned in chapter 18, Act 2 and Alexandre Dumas earlier on twice I think. Haha

[Lisa]

Hehe, I have noticed the references. How coincidental!

[Sarah]

=D Caught up to you now hehe

I agree about the Château d'If, I had a look on the map it is a fair distance away from land, poor Dantes.

Villefort: (view spoiler)[I thought I could trust him when he said to Dantes he would let him go and believed in his innocence. I couldn't believe that he had him hoisted away, and there was no paperwork about it ither making Morrel's appeal pretty useless if he wante to go higher up =/ It's not looking good.

And this whole thing with his father Noirtier(not sure of the spelling), but his father is a Bonapartist yet he's protecting him.. It doesn't seem to be he's a Royalist to heart maybe just to get in with the right people and to marry well? (hide spoiler)]

Dangers: (view spoiler)[I find it funny that Danglars was afraid of Dantes taking revenge and left for a Spansih ship never to be heard of again, after he wanted to be the captain of the Pharaon (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[Oh I know it was so sad, he had hope that Morrel would be able to get Dantes back but in vain =[ It was really sad and then the fact that he had a decent enough funeral struck the others (Royalists) as a thing to be frowned upon as they all belive Dantes to be a Bonapartist. It's a sticky situation, as when or if he is relaesed or escapes (I have no idea yet) then they will look down on him and I'm sure he won't advance well.

As for Fernand urgh, I hate that too, and I don't think Mercèdes can see that yet. I hope she does soon enough, I have a feeling something bad may happen there. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Lol, I knew you would catch me up in no time.

I don't think (view spoiler)[Villefort is a true Royalist at heart either. To be honest, I think he will serve whichever side best suits his own interests and ambitions. As for Danglars, he obviously felt that it wasn't worth hanging around and risking Dantes' revenge. It just goes to prove that he knows just how much of a part he played in wrecking an innocent man's life, a man who had everything to live for. I really can't stand him as a character! (hide spoiler)]

I am now up to Chapter XVII (page 157).

Chapter XV- (view spoiler)[I enjoyed the insight into Dantès' mind during his first years of imprisonment. It was horrible seeing him sink so low that he was prepared to starve himself to death! Poor guy! Thank goodness for Abbe Faria and his tunnelling! Who would have thought that simple sound could give a man so much hope, enough to make him want to carrying on living. (hide spoiler)]

XVI- (view spoiler)[Faria is quite a character! Now we know what all those drawings he was doing on his cell floor were for, they were his plans for escape! I can't believe all the work he has done over the years, such as making his little tools, the digging of the tunnel and his studies of pretty much anything and everything! He is incredibly resourceful! And to think everyone thinks him mad! They couldn't be more wrong but I guess, in the long run, it has helped him in his plans for escape because no-one asks questions of him and they all think him harmless. I think he and Dantès will make a great team.

Also, you just know that he is telling the truth about this buried treasure that he claims to know the location of. I have a feeling that might come into play later in the book. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

I have just picked this up again after a couple of days break in which I finished off 'The Angel's Game'. I am now up to Chapter XIX (page 187).

Chapter XVII- (view spoiler)[I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Dantès and Faria develop. They both seem to have saved one another in a way. I am glad that Faria was able to help Dantès work out what had happened to him and who was behind it all. I think those men had better watch their backs as I don't think Dantès is going to be in a particularly forgiving mood should he escape from the Chateau!

I really hope that Faria doesn't get a third seizure or if he does, that it doesn't kill him. I really want him to be able to put their plan into action and escape alongside Dantès. I have a feeling it won't work out that way though :( (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XVIII- (view spoiler)[It sounds like there is a LOT of treasure hidden on this island of Montè Cristo! No wonder Dantès was overwhelmed when Faria recounted the story to him and told him that he (Edmond) will acquire at least half of it! I really enjoyed hearing the back story to the treasure, how it was associated with the Borgia family and how they murdered in order to try and get their hands on it. Now it is there for the taking. It looks like things are finally looking up for Dantès. About time too! All he needs to do now is escape from the Chateau d'If...why do I suspect that it won't be easy? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

I have just read a few more chapters. I am now up to Chapter XXV (page 236).

(view spoiler)[Dantès has escaped the Chateau d'If! Yay! I was sorry that Faria died but at least Edmond was able to turn a sad situation to his advantage and gain his freedom. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXIV- (view spoiler)[All that treasure! No wonder Edmond was a bit overwhelmed when he found it! I would have run around shouting and yelling too! What a change in fortune he is experiencing! In a strange way, going to prison has worked out okay for him because if he hadn't have been sent there, he would never have met Faria and found out about the treasure of Montè Cristo. It's funny how things work out sometimes. The treasure can't replace what he has lost but it can go some way towards helping him rebuild his life.

Also, I like the little conversations Edmond has with himself on occasions, especially when he was trying to gear himself up to go down the hidden stairs into the cavern. I like it when you are able to get inside a character's head and see what they are thinking and feeling. Hopefully there will be more of that to come as we move further through the story. (hide spoiler)]

I am really enjoying this book so far! I can't believe it has taken me this long to actually get around to reading it! The size put me off for years but now I wish I had read it sooner.

[Anna]

I read the book in high school and has always been one of my favourite, however I am not sure I will do another read but strongly recommend to any one interested in Dumas.

[Sarah]

Ooh you went past me now. I got up to Chapter 20. But yesterday I had such a bad headache there was no reading for me =[

Hopefully today.

[Sarah]

Okay Up to Chapter 23 now =]

Faria: (view spoiler)[I thought it was ever so kind of Abbe faria to teach Dantes the languages and other things =] And to share with him about the treasure hidden on The Island of Monte Cristo. It was ever so sad when he dies =[ And he was like a son to Faria, I thought that was so sweet. I felt so sorry for Dantes having lost his friend and to be subjected to who knows how long until his liberty. Thankfully that was not the case and I'm glad he managed to escape I was so afraid he wasn't going to get found out. It was lucky there was a smuggler ship nearby *phew* (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Chapter 23: (view spoiler)[I thought it was quite clever when he faked his accident and they left him on the island. Now he could go and search for his treasure (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[lmao I thought that was pretty funny, I'm sure I would have done the same thing if I had found all the treasure too. Yes, I agree, and he's learnt things that maybe he wouldn't have learnt if he hadn't gone to prison. I'm now wondering how he's going to sneak that treasure off the island. He can't take it back in one go, and I'm not sure he'd want to share it with the whole crew, although like Dante's I thought it was nice he has those friends onboard who seem liek they really care about him. So Maybe he will share a little, who knows. (hide spoiler)]

I'm enjoying it too =] I can imagine there are going to be some more twists and turns as we aren't even close to half way yet. I have a feeling (view spoiler)[that he may go and find Danglars first before he returns to Mercedes. I just have a feeling he'll deal with him, set up his new life and then return to her, but I think she may be married to that horrid Fernand =/ (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

Sarah, (view spoiler)[phew was what I thought when the smuggling ship found him too! I was really worried that those two undertakers had heard him cry out or that he would get tired and drown. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23- (view spoiler)[I thought it was really clever how he faked his accident too! I actually panicked for a split-second and thought that he had genuinely fallen and hurt himself but then I realised that he was probably faking it :) (hide spoiler)]

I reckon there will be lots of twists and turns to come. (view spoiler)[I reckon you are right about Mercédès being married to Fernand. That will really break Edmond's heart if it turns out to be the case! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I know yes, I was pretty much cringing =/ But after (view spoiler)[14 years =O he would have had to escape, rather than be captured again and the story go back into the prison. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I think if that is the case he won't give up until he has her. I think they'll have an affair or Edmond will get the truth out of Fernand =P (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa]

For some reason I wasn't in the mood for reading these past couple of days. I kept picking books up but just couldn't get through more than a few pages. Luckily I was raring to go again today so I am now up to Chapter XXX (page 286).

Chapter XXVII- (view spoiler)[So, we right about Mercédès being married to Fernand! And they have a son! It doesn't sound like she is particularly happy in her marriage though. No surprise there.

It made my blood boil to find out how well Danglers and Fernand have done for themselves! They ruin a man's life and then get all the luck and good fortune coming their way whilst those who tried to help Dantès or stayed loyal to him get all the misfortune and ruin! At least Dantès knows the full story behind his imprisonment now. I sense some cold, hard revenge around the corner. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I am loving all the different disguises/identities that Dantès is adopting in order to carry out his plans. In Chapter XXVIII, I had to laugh when he went and visited the prison inspector, M. de Boville, who claimed that Dantès had made such an impression on him in the Chateau d'If that he would never forget his face. There obviously wasn't much truth in that statement, seeing as Dantès was standing right in front of him and he didn't recognise him! Still, Edmond has changed a lot so I suppose he can be forgiven. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXVIIII- (view spoiler)[I felt really sorry for Morrel with regards to all the bad luck that has befallen him. At least Dantès will be able to help him out of it though :) (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Hah, Lisa I've been feeling the same way, I read a little last night to catch up with you, but haven't read in the day much these last 2 days, I feel like I just can't be bothered at the moment. I think because I know what happens in The LOTR I'm dragging out the book. I'll try and read more of it today.

Haha I quite like his (view spoiler)[diguises to. I was wondering whther that diamond he gave to Caderousse really was worth that much, as I think even in a way he still could have spoken out about Danglars and Fernand. And speaking of them =O I hate the fact that they managed to get rich and wealthy pfft. And Yes Mercedes is married =/ Although I agree, she doesn't sound to happy in her marriage. I'm hoping that although no one else has recognised him yet, she may do, perhaps by his eyes or something. *fingers crosses* But I'm sure they are meant to be together. (hide spoiler)]

[Cherie]

I have to tell you two that I love your discussion! I am sorry that I could not read this with you.

I finally got a chance to read through all of your spoilers just now - even though I am supposed to be working. (It is frutrating not being able to read spoilers on my iPod.)

The chapters where Edmund was in jail and his relation ship with Abbe Faria were some of my favorite parts. Some of your comments trigger things, and many do not. I was a sophmore in high school when I read it and that was a loooooong time ago. I have wanted to re-read it, but have never had the time. I tried to talk my youngest daughter into reading it, but she was not into classics.

[Lisa]

It's a shame you were unable to read along with us Cherie. I am glad you are enjoying our discussion though and that it is helping to trigger a few memories of the book for you :) It's a pity your youngest daughter isn't in to classics, she is missing out on a real gem. Maybe try telling her that everyone you know on Goodreads thinks it's wonderful ;)

[Cherie]

I think she is coming around, slowly. I got her to listen to several good classics recently, and normally, she likes to read really long books. I will keep trying.

You two keep reading and discussing and I will keep checking back. :)

[Lisa]

Right, I am now up to Chapter XXXVII (page 413).

I am really enjoying (view spoiler)[the chapters that take place in Rome. Reading about all the buildings, monuments and streets is bringing back memories of my holiday in the city a few years ago. I loved it there, it is a beautiful city. I really want to go back there one day. I particularly liked the part in Chapter XXXIV when Franz and Albert visited the Colosseum at night and Franz overheard the mysterious conversation between the Count of Monte Cristo and the Trasteveran. I found it really atmospheric and having been inside the Colosseum, it was great being able to recognise some of the things, such as the Gladiators' Box.

Also in Chapter XXXIV, I found it quite funny when the countess Franz and Albert met at the opera convinced herself that the Count of Monte Cristo was a vampire because of his pale skin! She certainly has some imagination! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXXV- (view spoiler)[It is interesting to note how much Dantès has changed since being in prison. He was really sweet, innocent and carefree before and now he is quite cold, detached and brooding and you can really sense the inner pain and torment that is hidden just beneath the surface. He seemed completely indifferent to the execution that took place just before the carnival. I guess he needs to be detached if he is planning on getting revenge on those who wronged him but there is a part of me that thinks it is a real shame that he has been changed so much by his experiences in life. It is actually quite sad being witness to how the 'old' Dantès was destroyed by what those people did to him. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter XXXVI- (view spoiler)[Wow! The descriptions of the carnival were great! I found myself wishing that I was right there in the middle of it! (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I just realised that Albert de Morcerf is the son of Fernand and Mercèdes! (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

I've got some catching up to do for sure. Got distracted by reading 'The Hunger Games'. Have you read them?

I'm up to Chapter 33. So looking forward to reading the spoilers.

[Lisa]

No, I haven't read The Hunger Games yet. Hopefully I will get around to them some day. Are you enjoying them?