Dumas Alexander, The Count of Monte Cristo, Informal Buddy Read, starts 20 June 2024 (previous read was 2018)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Oo! Yes I do like that cover!

[Marie (UK)]

Chapters 1 - 11
I don't think i have even seen the film let alone read the book so I have no pre-conceptions which i think is good.
I was interested in the translator's introduction when the book is described as a "children's" book. It is very heavyweight for children's.
I enjoy classics but not all of them some i find very wordy taking a long time to get to the crux of the book - if they ever do.
This is almost straight into the meat of the tale and there is barely a spare word. I can almost feel the characters brains working in the writing.
I also struggle a bit with footnotes they seem to disrupt my reading but they don't seem look bad so far.

(view spoiler)[ Danglar is obviously angling for the top job, he feels he should have been in charge after the death of Leclere and everything that happens in the conversation with the ship owner just increases his jealous rage. We know he saw the letter being given to Dantes which surely means that he left the ship in Elba, although Dantes says only he disembarked. . He is very clever and picks his co-conspirators carefully Caderousse he can ply with drink so that he can't see what Danglar is doing but I think his presence adds authority for Fernand who is simply gullible and wanting to get Mercedes for his own.
The plot moves with speed and intrigue at every turn - Dantes is compliant because he thinks he is to be released whilst Villefort is merely using him.
I love the characterisation and the style of writing so far. I like some of the phrasing (best word i can think for it) which make you think "hurrying towards happiness" is one and a section at the bottom of page 42 about happiness being like a palace on an enchanted island with dragons set to guard it"
I am keen to know what the arrival of his father will mean to the plot. I think Villefort is giving his father up to the king in order to get status and prestige. BUT could he be double dealing? How did his father know he was there? (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

I am listening to an audio version, and it is really good. The narrator does a good job with all the voices. Only problem is I don't know how to spell anyone's name !! My version is being narrated by Bill Homewood. Right now I'm in Chapter 8 and Dantes? is in jail and they are trying to determine if he is mad.

[Tahmina]

I'm starting a bit late but I am hoping I can get at least 5 chapters in today!

[SandyL]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "I am listening to an audio version, and it is really good. The narrator does a good job with all the voices. Only problem is I don't know how to spell anyone's name !! My version is being narrated ..."

I'm listening to a version by John Lee and he's really good too!
(view spoiler)[I still haven't figured out why Dantes refused books and some freedoms but rather did what he did to get sent to the dungeon. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@marie
That’s so strange - I would never consider this a children’s book. Also, my version doesn’t have footnotes. Interesting.


I also have the audio although I haven’t listened to it yet, I decided I wanted to try and read it first to get all the characters in my head as I’ve also never seen a movie or anything and have no preconceived ideas of the story

[Alison]

The more I'm reading this the more I'm starting to think I have seen a movie version. It all seems too familiar.

I think this would be good as an audio. I've been doing a few classics this way and I find it makes it easier. That being said, I kind of gave up halfway through Frankenstein.

[Melindam]

Yesterday I had some unexpectedly long reading time, so I got quite ahead: already started book 2. It is really exciting and intriguing and rather nicely built-up, the way the story unfolds step by step.

(view spoiler)[This is the part where Edmond escapes If, finds the hidden treasure and starts hunting for the people who destroyed his life. (hide spoiler)]

I have to say I can understand that this story got its original readers hooked. It's quite addictive and as it was serialised, I guess they felt quite similarly the way we feel now when our favourite TV/Netflix series gets finished on a cliffhanger. :))

[Jammin Jenny]

I just finished up to Chapter 15 - Dantes meets another prisoner, #27 (funny because that number keeps popping up in my daughter's RL). I agree with you Melindam. I am listening to this book more like a serial, 3-5 chapters a day, and it really does leave me hooked and wanting more the next day.

[SandyL]

Melindam wrote: "Yesterday I had some unexpectedly long reading time, so I got quite ahead: already started book 2. It is really exciting and intriguing and rather nicely built-up, the way the story unfolds step by..."

I'm up to this point as well and I'm really enjoying this book, which kinda surprises me. I have a hard time with most of the classics but this book really hooks you in. (view spoiler)[ It was so exciting reading about Dantes' escape from prison. Also, seeing how much he learned from Faria and how he now uses it. And how he can still be kind and generous to people - I'm really liking Dantes! (hide spoiler)]

[Marie (UK)]

I haven't had mush time to read today as i have been invigilating exams all day - literally.

I am up to chapter 27 and i love Dumas' style there is rhythm to the writing, it doesn't feel dated and there are moments of humour or irony

(view spoiler)[ I love the scene between Villefort and his father, the inference that now someone has told him the description of the traitor he can just alter his appearance. I also enjoyed the description of those in power using money and those not devotion p109.
It seems the mad Abbe may not be as mad as his gaolers would have us believe. I am looking forward to seeing how Dumas takes this thread of the story onwards. Will they dive into the sea and freedom? (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I'm just into chapter 10.

(view spoiler)[
Ah. so annoyed with De Villefort.
wth is up with him? Now we have ANOTHER person that is destroying Dantes.
Boo.

(hide spoiler)]

[Eldarwen]

Finishing up a different book - can't help it hehe - but I'll spend some quality time with Dantès tomorrow and will read up.

[Marie (UK)]

I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21.

(view spoiler)[ what an interesting section this is, his developing friendship with the Abbe and his learning.
Dumas has a lot of very interesting things to say that are more than just part of the storyline. I particularly liked what the Abbe said about misfortune being needed to plumb certain mysterious depths". I think this is so true misfortune sharpens the mind to deal with it and also makes you value what you have. I think there are moment os pure philosophy in this book.
The section ends as Dante is thrown into the "graveyard" and what a good place to end I can see this being the ending of one part of his serialisation. (hide spoiler)]
This is not a difficult book - certainly not in the way of the language or the storyline but it does take concentration and I am finding that 50 pages at a time is more than enough for me so it will have to be 2 stints a day to keep up my 100 page a day aim.
As i am using it For SRC i cant go beyond page 638 before 1st of June anyway

[SandyL]

Marie (UK) wrote: "I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21.

what an interesting section this is, his developing friendship with..."

I really enjoyed the scenes with the Abbe (Faria) - he's such an amazing man!

[Marie (UK)]

In my opinion this book is getting better and better it is multi-layered and really takes me along with it. I can see how it worked well as a serial - all the places i have stopped at seem natural ending points with a fair amount of suspense as to what will happen next. Dumas is very cleverly building the book almost like a tide where it ebbs and flows in alternating chapters. I am at page 300 end of chapter XXX.

[Jammin Jenny]

Marie (UK) wrote: "I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21.

what an interesting section this is, his developing friendship with..."

I agree that this book really gives you a look at the philosophy of life. I love the relationship between the Abbe and Dantes.

I'm up to Chapter 18 right now. I'm listening as I'm updating my notifications and such. It is really an engaging book.

[Marie (UK)]

Chapters XXX - XXVI
I have really struggled with this section, the chapters are longer and not really advancing the storyline, There are a lot of characters / groups/ games/ cabals whatever you want to call them. However I assume the information and the characters will become important as the book progresses.

(view spoiler)[ Note to self mention of vampires - Page 266 heaven’s sake, tell us all about – is he a vampire, or a (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

SandyL wrote: "Marie (UK) wrote: "I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21.

what an interesting section this is, his develop..."

Yes, the meeting and discussions with Abbe were really interesting. What do you think his malady was? A type of epilepsy?

[SandyL]

Marie (UK) wrote: "Chapters XXX - XXVI
I have really struggled with this section, the chapters are longer and not really advancing the storyline, There are a lot of characters / groups/ games/ cabals whatever you wan..."

I have been somewhat confused with this section as well, Marie. I was trying to figure out what all these people had to do with Dantes, but it seems to be coming together thankfully. I've been listening to the audio, but I was thinking I was going to have to go back and read that section.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Chapter 21

So I have finished this chapter and I'm heading into 22.

(view spoiler)[
So sad that Abbe died, but it gave the perfect opportunity for Dantes. I don't know that they would have been able to escape otherwise. And then imagine if they had been recaptured?!

I am flipping back and forth between the paperback and the audio and I'm finding it a relatively easy read so far. I really can't wait for him to get that treasure and exact revenge.! xD (hide spoiler)]

[Eldarwen]

I took less time than I wanted to over the weekend to read this so I'm still practically where I was before. But I like the flow of the story. It reads so nicely, I wasn't expecting that from a French classic (not after my failure of trying to read Les Misérables).

It took me a while to get used to the French writing again as it's been ages since I read in French but it just flows.

I do not see where this could ever have been considered a children's book though?! That seems very odd.

[Melindam]

I started "Book 3", which I guess is the most exciting part for me (view spoiler)[after a lengthy of preparation Dantes goes to Paris and starts the real game of getting his revenge. The build-up for this is awesome. We get to know even more characters who will play a part in his schemes. My favourite character -Maximilien Morrel- also appears. (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

I am in the middle of Chapter 25 right now. I love that he is plotting his way for revenge - he is very pragmatic considering how long he was imprisoned unjustly.

[SandyL]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "I am in the middle of Chapter 25 right now. I love that he is plotting his way for revenge - he is very pragmatic considering how long he was imprisoned unjustly."

All the training from Faria (the Abbe) is coming back to help him including patience!

[Jammin Jenny]

Yes and now the Abbe is hearing the story from the tailor (can't remember his name). Or at least what happened to Longlar and Fernon.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Chapter 26

So here's a question for those who have read past this point

(view spoiler)[ Why would Caderousse believe that Endmond would have left a share of his final fortune to Fernand? He only met Fernand a few days before he was jailed and the guy was clearly in love with his fiance.
I thought he would be more suspicious....
Maybe he was just so desperate for money that the share of the diamond blinded him. LOL

Also - how awful that old man Dantes died of starvation. Now I really want Edmond to get his revenge!!
xD (hide spoiler)]

[Marie (UK)]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Marie (UK) wrote: "I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21.

what an interesting section this ..."

I think it could have been epilepsy but it also could have been a type of stroke or they used to have an old fashioned name for fits - just cannot think what it was

[Marie (UK)]

SandyL wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "I am in the middle of Chapter 25 right now. I love that he is plotting his way for revenge - he is very pragmatic considering how long he was imprisoned unjustly."

All the tra..."

How are you finding the Audio? I think this would be both a good and bad book on audio -Good for the atmosphere but bad for remembering who is who.

As i get older i find I have to concentrate very hard on complex stories, i often keep notes and this buddy read is also helping me retain things

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I have the audio narrated by John Lee and I think he is very good.
Like you, Marie with these books I can’t just rely on audio. So I actually started with the paperback to get all the characters in my mind before starting the audio. Now I’m flipping back and forth between depending on if I have time to sit down and read or if i only have a chance to listen while doing housework etc.

[Marie (UK)]

Up to Chapter XL
I think the tale is picking up again after my struggle with the last section. I find it is taking me almost twice as long as normal to read say 50 pages. I am glad there is no rush to the finish line.

(view spoiler)[ Just what is going on here? I assume the Count has orchestrated his introduction to Franz and Albert and wonder if that Orchestration started when sailors suggested that Franz go to the island for his hunting. The count is trying to create an indebtedness and i assume that is because of who Albert can introduce him to in Paris.

Have i missed something in the relationship of Albert to either the Count or to the Count's enemies? (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

Marie (UK) wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "I am in the middle of Chapter 25 right now. I love that he is plotting his way for revenge - he is very pragmatic considering how long he was imprisoned unjustly..."

It is a bit more difficult to know the character's names when just listening to audio (I don't know how to spell anyone's name right now), but I can track the action fairly well. I only listen to about 4 chapters a day so I don't lose track to easily. If I tried a longer listening time I think it would be more difficult.

Given that, listening to this book is must less daunting than trying to read a 1,300 page book. I'm treating it more like a serial so it's keeping my attention.

I really want Dantes to exact revenge on all those have have wronged him.

[SandyL]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Chapter 26

So here's a question for those who have read past this point

Why would Caderousse believe that Endmond would have left a share of his final fortune to Fernand? He only met Fernand a f..."

I didn't even think of this, Karen. But I think Caderousse (view spoiler)[ is not a very bright man and, like you say, was desperate for the diamond/money. I was also horrified to learn how the elder Dantes died and how Caderousse seemed to do nothing to help him. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

Marie (UK) wrote: "Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Marie (UK) wrote: "I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21.

what an interest..."

I was also thinking maybe a brain tumor?

[SandyL]

Marie (UK) wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "I am in the middle of Chapter 25 right now. I love that he is plotting his way for revenge - he is very pragmatic considering how long he was imprisoned unjustly..."

I have the book on my kindle and I've looked at it for names and such, but so far haven't read too much, mostly listened. Other than the section where (view spoiler)[ Franz met Dantes and then he was discussing a story with Albert (hide spoiler)] I'm finding the story relatively easy to follow along with on audio.

[SandyL]

Marie (UK) wrote: "Up to Chapter XL
I think the tale is picking up again after my struggle with the last section. I find it is taking me almost twice as long as normal to read say 50 pages. I am glad there is no rush..."

I'm up to Chapter 38. I'm also wondering if (view spoiler)[The Count/Dantes has orchestrated everything with Franz and Albert including Albert's abduction. He seems to be setting up a giant chess board! (hide spoiler)]

[Marie (UK)]

SandyL wrote: "Marie (UK) wrote: "Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Marie (UK) wrote: "I finished yesterdays remaining pages this morning - I was just too tired yesterday. So i Have reached page 202 and chapter 21...."

apoplexy was the term used this may be an old word for epilepsy i don't know

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

according to google, apoplexy is "unconsciousness or incapacity resulting from a cerebral haemorrhage or stroke"
which I guess makes sense seeing that he lost the use of one side of his body after that first one. Maybe that medicine he took was just a placebo

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

SandyL wrote: "I was also horrified to learn how the elder ..."

Yes. that was awful. Considering Calderousse was the same one who made the elder Dantes pay his debt while Edmund was away, (when the book began) leaving him close to starvation...
vile man

[Stacie]

Finally about to start this.

[Eldarwen]

Yay!

Then I'm not so far behind anymore haha - but of course you're going to overtake me in no time, I'm sure ;-)

[Stacie]

Eldarwen wrote: "Yay!

Then I'm not so far behind anymore haha - but of course you're going to overtake me in no time, I'm sure ;-)"

Depends on Quidditch ;)

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

And I'm still at chapter 10!

[Vicki]

I haven’t started yet either. But I’m on vacation and out & about every day. Lol I’ll get to it ASAP.

[Tahmina]

I've been reading my copy but I have noticed that some copies have different amount of Chapters .... is this normal or am I missing something?

[Tahmina]

Chapters 1-4

So far this book is so much easier to read than I thought. The first couple of paragraphs gave me pause because it look some time to understand what I was reading and then realized it was a ship and ship terms *sigh* and then it went a lot faster.

I have to say, I have not disliked characters more than I like dislike Caderousse, Danglar and Fernand (except maybe Uriah Heep. I don't remember anything from that book except how much I hated him!!) They are just jealous men getting together to ruin a guys life but making themselves feel better by saying that they will not kill him. For Danglar and Fernand its jealously and love, respectively, that motivate them. But for Caderousse I'm just totally confused by. He goaded and egged them on and then when they started to get more bitter and form a plan he slowly backed out. The only thing I can think of is that he might be envious because Edmond and his father were poor and relied on him and he made money off them and now they might be self-sufficient. So the power balance shifted.

[Tahmina]

Message 76: Alison wrote: "I started reading the intro then decided it wasn't really that relevant and there was more than enough to be reading. Did find it interesting how it's been kind of looked down on. Classed as genre fiction rather than literary and therefore not as worthy.

To be honest that just makes me want to read it more."

Yeah I was surprised that this was not seen as anything more than for entertainment. But reading it I can kind of see why they thought that. So far the novel is about feelings of revenge and jealously and is super easy to read through. But I am only at Chapter 4 :)

Msg 80

SandyL wrote: "Oh, and I can't figure out what Caderousse's motivation is in all this - is he just a bored old man?"

Right!!! Me either!

Msg 83: @Jammim Jenny

Hi Jammin, I think you might have confused Edmond's Dad and Caderousse up in the beginning couple of chapters. Caderousse is the one that tells Edmond about the suitors and is the one that sees Fernan running away and calls him to their table.

The whole Danglar Following him around was super weird. They literally get off the boat and has not been in town for three months and this guy has nothing better to do then to go wherever Dante goes.

Msg 86 and 87 @Eldarwen

You are right that he is an accountant and can't be a Captain so what difference does it make to him who is captain of the ship. It did mention in the beginning of the book that everyone loved Edmond but hated Danglar. Could it be just that petty.

And I think this story does flow nicely together. And I like that all characters are introduced and talked about long enough that you don't forget who they are (I always forget names).

Msg 90 @Melindam

Yes!!! That I think might be spot on!

[Stacie]

So I just started and I feel like I've been dropped into the middle of a story. Hopefully it will clear up soon.

[Tahmina]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "I watched The Great American Read on PBS last night and they said that Alexander Dumas had a "ghostwriter" or at least someone else who collaborated on this book. Did any of you know that?"

I read in the introduction of my book that a lot of his works were taking other peoples stories and rewriting them with the permission of the original author (he would give credit to them and have their input). And that books that were submitted as serialization were often left to others to write certain parts. The writer compared it to shows on T.V. Where the creator will write certain main episodes with major plot points but then there are other episodes where they do not have much of a role in other than overseeing it.

[Jammin Jenny]

Tahmina wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "I watched The Great American Read on PBS last night and they said that Alexander Dumas had a "ghostwriter" or at least someone else who collaborated on this book. Did any of yo..."

That's so weird because (view spoiler)[ when he opened the cave saying "Open Sesame" I was like WTF I thought that was in another story, and then I think he was calling himself Simbad and again I was like WTF?? (hide spoiler)]