Count of Monte Cristo - Chapters I through L: (The Morrel family)

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Discuss the first 50 chapters here - yay Roman numerals!

[Michael]

One of the most amazing books ever. Enjoy!

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

So far, so good! Incredibly readable - the pages are flying by and the story is interesting. I find myself reading more than my daily goal each day.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Missed a couple of days of reading this - not because I don't want to, but because, you know . . . life!

[Carol]

I've actually started this, and am enjoying it very much. I'm not a big fan of the "plotting against the hero because he is awesome" trope, but I know they will get their comeuppance in the end.

Should have said: Since this is Dumas, I assume they will get their comeuppances at the end.

[Jessica-sim]

Also, finally managed to overcome my fear of its size and reputation... Indeed it is actually a very easy read. All the scheming going on, cannot possibly end well ;-)

My edition has a long introduction, I always have doubts about introductions. They truly add something, insights and increase appreciation for the writing, but they also reduce reading pleasure by spoiling certain elements of the story or writing. If I read the introduction afterwards, the danger lies in wanting to start over and read again with the newly gained insights.
Did you read the introduction?

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

I know what you mean, Simone! Because of my spoiler concerns, I skipped it. Also, I will probably not go back to it.

[Jessica-sim]

Work work work preoccupied my mind and I left our count on horseback speeding away from Marseille a week ago ;-).
Tomorrow I'm going on a one week vacation so changed from paper to the (freely available) ePub version to save luggage room. Was actually really enjoying the story last week, stayed up quite late reading just one more chapter ...

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

The book has definitely taken a change in direction with the stories of Rome. Its almost like it should have been divided into a Book II a few chapters ago instead of continuing with the same chapter progression.

[Jessica-sim]

Yes, you're right. I also was very confused with the new set of characters.

[Jessica-sim]

How are you guys doing? I reached chapter 51. The Rome and Paris chapters weren't a joy to read through. I fear even more confusion in all the different characters and their extended families but will take a break from this book anyway. I've had enough for a while and some other book club reading to do.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Simone wrote: "How are you guys doing? I reached chapter 51. The Rome and Paris chapters weren't a joy to read through. I fear even more confusion in all the different characters and their extended families but w..."

Hey Simone! I am not sure which chapter I am at, but I must be nearing 50!

Yeah, I am a bit mired in the spot you are talking about, but not too bad. I think the problem I am having is that I am having a hard time telling if the timeline is straightforward. I feel like there might be some flashing back to things we know already or flashing forward to things we don't.

Part of this started with the execution scene - I felt like we should know more about why the Count was so pleased. Like, I was missing some backstory. And, maybe I did miss it - but I thought I was keeping up with everything. I keep thinking they will go back and explain that later.

[Jessica-sim]

Yes, that's exactly it! Feeling like you must have missed something though you've carefully kept up...
I also expect and look forward to the big moment of revelation.

Don't get me wrong, I still like the story! Suffice it to say it well suits this 2-3 month reading schedule ;-)

I settled on the execution being an elaborate ruse to meet Albert, and ingratiate himself to his family in Paris, but surely there's more to it.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

I am going to read The Morrel Family tonight! Then . . . it is on to the next discussion thread!

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Okay - just finished chapter 50! The last 200 to 300 pages or so where not quite as enthralling as the first 200 to 300 pages. But still enjoying it!