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

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Oh and you can also get audio versions from librivox.org for free 😉

[Eldarwen]

The nautical vocab mostly stops after that chapter. The French generally takes a bit to get into the flow, but once you're in, it flows pretty nicely.

[Stacie]

Eldarwen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I finally started and have read chapter 1. I think I'm feeling more intimidated than ever so it's good to see you're all enjoying it.

It always takes a little bit for my kindle to g..."

I need to get back to it. I stopped to read other books and just haven't been able to get back into the groove.

[SandyL]

Marie (UK) wrote: "Well I have finished - Phew! i don't think i have ever taken so long to read a book.
Dumas has a brilliant narrative style, I can see how this book was serialised and even which points would be gr..."

Congrats Marie!

[SandyL]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Chapter 70 - The Ball

Well done Marie in finishing! I'm still ploughing through! I am really enjoying it, but at the same time I have a line of books I need to read lol

I've given my thoughts on ..."

Same here, Karen! I try to get a little bit in every day, but soon I'm going to have to power-read/listen to get to the end - my overdrive borrow expires soon!

There are so many intricacies and details and people that I sometimes get a bit lost and have to go back (especially with reading other books in between). I think when I'm all done I'm going to get the Cliff Notes on this book for an overview of what all happened!

[Sarah]

Congrats Marie! How long did it take you to read it?

I love Dumas' narrative style as well. I can't imagine having to wait to read the next chapter(s) as they were serialized. While I love being able to read as quickly as I want, sometimes I'm kind of jealous of the experiences readers must have had as it was published. People would have been regularly discussing the newest chapter as they came out. I imagine the serials would have brought people together who normally wouldn't have a reason to talk to each other.

[Sarah]

SandyL wrote: "Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Chapter 70 - The Ball

Well done Marie in finishing! I'm still ploughing through! I am really enjoying it, but at the same time I have a line of books I need to read lol

I've give..."

I hope you know about the public domain. Not sure where you are located but in the US books are available for free to the public at 50 years from the date of the author's death (I believe that is the right timing). Project Gutenburg is a free site with lots of books available! Theu have several versions available, including pdf and downloads for Google Play books.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Sarah wrote: "ometimes I'm kind of jealous of the experiences readers must have had as it was published. People would have been regularly discussing the newest chapter as they came out. I imagine the serials would have brought people together who normally wouldn't have a reason to talk to each other..."

So true. It would have been the "water cooler show" of it's time!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Chapter 77 - Haydee

I do find myself sometimes forgetting who is who (view spoiler)[(like Albert being Fernand and Mercedes' son) and then a chapter like this comes along and I find myself actually open mouthed. "say what??!!" LOL
(hide spoiler)]

I just checked when I started this... May 21. Holy Moly. I knew it would take me a while, but I really need to pick up the pace!! It has been hard as I've been reading other things in between including another tome

[SandyL]

Chapters 79-80

Oh no! (view spoiler)[ I am devastated at what happened to Barrois, and that suspicion is now on Valentine!! (hide spoiler)]

I have, up to this point, been somewhat in awe of the Count. But (view spoiler)[ I am now wondering at how much his manipulations are going to hurt innocent people in the story. I guess it really can't but hurt others, but up until now it seemed that he was finding ways to help them (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

I've read through Chapter 86 and things are definitely heating up!
(view spoiler)[ The way the Count manipulates people and can anticipate what they will do is fascinating. It was also interesting when Caderousse died he said "One." (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

SandyL wrote: "Chapters 79-80

Oh no! [spoilers removed]

I have, up to this point, been somewhat in awe of the Count. But [spoilers removed]"

Yes I was sad about that one and a bit confused by it too. I guess all the reasons will come out as we go along. Like you, I still feel that he has a sense of honour and "greater good"

[Jammin Jenny]

I'm up through Chapter 108. I love the coming together of all the pieces the Count put in place to get his revenge. This is truly one of the great revenge books of all times and deserves to be on this list.

I hope to finish by listening to 3-4 chapters a day and finish no later than the 20th. I started this book on May 20 so that's a nice way to finish.

[Sarah]

So I'm about to start chapter 49, Haydee. He calls her his slave but I can't believe he has a slave. Is he in love with her? Not sure how I feel about that. He has already met Mercedes again. Obviously, I hope they get to talk to each other and she realizes that he is Edmund. I think I'm secretly hoping she leaves her husband and they live happily ever after.

Additionally, on the note of slaves, Ali is his servant / slave? Once again I have a hard time believing that Edmond Dantes would have a slave. Apparently, the Count saved Ali's life and therefore Ali must now give the Count his life. Not sure about this.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Sarah wrote: "So I'm about to start chapter 49, Haydee. He calls her his slave but I can't believe he has a slave. Is he in love with her? Not sure how I feel about that. He has already met Mercedes again. Obvio..."

For the time slaves were "usual" and actually from what I've read it was seen as a sign of how high class you were to have slaves that could read/write or have other talents.
I believe there is more to both of them than meets the eye though ;)

[Sarah]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Sarah wrote: "So I'm about to start chapter 49, Haydee. He calls her his slave but I can't believe he has a slave. Is he in love with her? Not sure how I feel about that. He has already met Mercede..."

I had a wild thought that maybe Ali actually can talk and is not doing so by orders of the count. *shrugs*

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Wouldn’t surprise me 😊

[Vicki]

I'm late jumping on the band wagon, but I've read 4 chapters. So far I am enjoying the book. I had to read chapter 1 a bit slower to get my bearings and understand who was who, etc.

Chapters 1-4

Edmond Dantes: (view spoiler)[Seems to be a good guy, he's well-liked by his crew, so why on earth is Danglars against him? Does he want to be the captain himself? (hide spoiler)]

Danglars (view spoiler)[I can't stand people like him who want to destroy someone else's life and for what? He actually is going to try getting Edmond arrested and sent to prison. There must be more to the story that we haven't learned yet. (hide spoiler)]

Mercedes (view spoiler)[I'm glad that she is truly in love, since she is so beautiful and desired by so many would-be-suitors, it is good to see she has been faithful. I don't quite understand her relationship with Fernand. She says he's her cousin and her brother, so is "brother" used generically here as a way of saying he's a relative? (hide spoiler)]

Fernand (view spoiler)[I don't like how he's pressuring Mercedes to marry him. I mean, enough is enough. Plus if he truly loved her, he would not participate in setting up Edmond. He's on my black list! (hide spoiler)]

Caderousse (view spoiler)[must be a real idiot to hear the conversations and the discussions among Fernand, Danglars, and himself and to hear their intonations and tones and then allow Danglars to laugh it off as just kidding around. He might be drunk but still... (hide spoiler)]

I plan to read more tonight but not sure how much. I have to play catch up and so far I'm only at 3%. LOL

I am wondering about the narrator some of you referred to as talking to the reader. Either I missed that or it's not in my version or it doesn't come until after chapter 5. Can someone enlighten me, please?

[Caroline]

Sarah wrote: "So I'm about to start chapter 49, Haydee. He calls her his slave but I can't believe he has a slave. Is he in love with her? Not sure how I feel about that. He has already met Mercedes again. Obvio..."

I agree with Karen ! Slaves were a sign of power and money at that time! I think it is not the slaves as we think of, they are more for amusement and bound to him at a deeper level. I also am sure Ali is more than meets the eyes!! I think he can understand everything, maybe he can even speak multiple languages...

I would also love for Edmund to have his happy endings, but I'm not sure... Revenge doesn't always end well...

[Michelle]

Jumping back into this one. Had to set it aside during my vacation - the family demanded Harry Potter on audio, and I couldn't disappoint them!

[SandyL]

I'm up to Chapter 97 and things (view spoiler)[ seem to be getting a bit out of the Count's control, although the families of his enemies are falling apart due to his prior manipulations. I was surprised at what happened with the duel with Albert! And then Valentine's poisoning. And now Eugenie is getting ready to marry Cavalcante and I see financial disaster all over that! (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

Finally finished today!! Read in under a month. I think that's how I'm going to tackle REALLY BIG BOOKS from now on. And I loved this story!!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

SandyL wrote: "I'm up to Chapter 97 and things [spoilers removed]"

Yes! I loved how (view spoiler)[ the duel ended. I really had no idea how that was going to go. And Fernand! Agh! The Count's revenge plans are really coming to fruition now (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Finally finished today!! Read in under a month. I think that's how I'm going to tackle REALLY BIG BOOKS from now on. And I loved this story!!"

woohoo! I made it today which is exactly a month. Feels so good to get to the end even though I did really enjoy it.

I actually loved the ending. (view spoiler)[ It showed how he realised revenge isn't always sweet. I also liked that he didn't end up with Mercedes as that would have been unrealistic.
I did think the last chapter was perhaps a little long though.
Loved the last line! (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

I'm up to Chapter 112. The Count (view spoiler)[ is showing some regret at his revenge after Villafort's son was poisoned by his mother and Maximillian's close call. Otherwise, it seems like his plan is playing out as he anticipated. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "Finally finished today!! Read in under a month. I think that's how I'm going to tackle REALLY BIG BOOKS from now on. And I loved this story!!"

woohoo! I made it today which is..."

I'm done too! And I loved the end as well, Karen! Although I suspected that (view spoiler)[Maximillian and Julie would be reunited, it was so nice to see if realized. I also loved how the Count finally "saw" Haydee! And, yes, the last line was great! (hide spoiler)]

I'm so glad I read this book. I think I mentioned before that I struggle with the classics and the language, but this one was so much fun and interesting. I listened to the audio by John Lee and he was a terrific narrator!

[Vicki]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "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 boo..."

I know! When I read that I wondered if that is where (view spoiler)[Sinbad the Sailor (hide spoiler)] came from. LOL I have to check it out and see.

[Vicki]

Dumas is a genius! I love how intricately woven the details of the plot are. I think this book is more plot driven than character driven, but I love it because it just draws me in.

Through Chapter 35

Dantes (view spoiler)[ is brilliant! I can't believe the courage he has and the brain he uses to get himself out of situations. He's like the master of disguise. LOL After he met the Abbe in prison and learned from him educationally, he was truly setting himself up to be (or appear to be) a gentleman of means. I thought that when the Abbe died and he decided to substitute himself for the dead priests' body it was brilliant. I couldn't believe that he was going to allow himself to be buried alive and dig his way out! But then he was thrown in the waters and I really worried how he'd get out of that one. Thank goodness Jacopo was there!I can't imagine how he looked with 14 years of beard and hair growth. LOL

I love how he found the treasure of Monte Cristo and SO MUCH that he won't want for anything. I am so glad he has the money to get his revenge and can't wait to see how he pulls that one off!!! He has Danglars, Fernand (almost the worst since he sent the letter), Villefort, and Caderousse, right? I think those are the four he's going after. (hide spoiler)]

The religious overtones are really interesting to me, too. When Dantes is (view spoiler)[in prison and prays for a way out and so on, it seems that he gives up on God. But he later starts praying to God again after he kills the goat and the smuggling ship sails out, and he finds the precious stones and prays to God.

Obviously good vs. evil is juxtaposed throughout the book as well. And light vs. dark, which would all be SO FUN to study or teach! I taught 9th grade though and it would have been too huge of a book for them for sure! LOL But when I read a book of this quality, it's so hard for me NOT to notice the symbolism, things such as good vs. evil, light vs. dark, brawn vs. brain, etc. I could write a book on these chapters regarding all of that already, but I'll spare you all, if anyone even reads my posts. (hide spoiler)]

Louis Dantes (view spoiler)[dying of starvation really, really upset me. So unnecessary! Knowing this will surely give Edmond even further impetus to get his revenge. (hide spoiler)]

Mercedes (view spoiler)[married Fernand? Why? I think she just caved! But I was upset to see that he has gone on to get the woman while Dantes was rotting away in prison AND he is now the Count of Morcerf! I want Edmond to get revenge for ME! LOL (hide spoiler)]

Caderousse (view spoiler)[was obviously the perfect guy for Edmond to get a confession out of. LOL Again, Dantes is brilliant and knows who he can go to for a confession. All he had to do was put on another disguise as Abbe Busoni and offer Caderousse a diamond. He's cooked his own goose! (hide spoiler)]

Monsieur de Boville (view spoiler)[seemed a bit to happy to tell Edmond (again in a great disguise) about the Abbe's death. But I'm glad he told Edmond all of that and that Edmond also found out via official records that it was Villefort's orders that sent him to prison. Plus he was able to confirm that Morrel did try to get him freed. At least he knows someone was in his corner. I'm glad that Dantes was able to help Morrel financially. (hide spoiler)]

Sinbad the Sailor (view spoiler)[Okay, I had to understand this allusion, so I looked it up and The Arabian Nights was published all the way back in 800!! And The Count of Monte Cristo originally was published in 1844, a long time later. I assume that most people would have heard of Sinbad and known that it is synonymous with good luck. I think that section of the book definitely foreshadowed that Edmond planned to reward Morrel with a good fortune (wealth). It came at just the right time and obviously saved Morrel from committing suicide. (hide spoiler)]

Albert de Morcerf (view spoiler)[is the son of Mercedes and Fernand? Oh my! I wonder if Edmond would do anything to him since that would be the worst kind of revenge. At the very least he is using him. Does he understand why Mercedes would have married Fernand or is he angry with her?

Now Edmond is "The Count of Monte Cristo" and I'm scared to see his revenge after he told Albert that beheading is TOO GOOD for some crimes, like those of causing human suffering as he feels the four who caused his suffering are obviously worthy of great suffering and not a quick death. His discussions with Albert make that very clear. The Count of Monte Cristo is now born! (hide spoiler)]

This book is so intense and well-written! I am really glad I am reading it. The only thing is I have to finish it between today and tomorrow since we began it on May 22 and it is supposed to be finished within a month, so I have read about 800 pages between today and tomorrow. Wish me luck! LOL

[Sarah]

Vicki wrote: "Dumas is a genius! I love how intricately woven the details of the plot are. I think this book is more plot driven than character driven, but I love it because it just draws me in.

Through Chapter..."

Vicki, where did you read that informal buddy reads have to be read in a month?

[Vicki]

Through Chapter 50

Dantes' plot to (view spoiler)[have Albert kidnapped worked for him. Again, although I wouldn't condone doing that, Dantes is definitely focused. He's already really just using Albert as a tool to get where he wants in his revenge plan. (hide spoiler)]

Mercedes (view spoiler)[recognized Dantes when Albert "introduced" her and Fernand to them. I'm kind of surprised that Fernand didn't recognize him, but I wonder if he really somehow did. Anyway, Mercedes, like any mother, probably instinctively knows Albert has to be careful. I think she probably might suspect some kind of revenge but not to the extent because she doesn't know everything that really happened. (hide spoiler)]

Bertuccio (view spoiler)[How awful that he caught Villefort burying a baby just because it was a "bastard" child!!! OMG!! This man is even more despicable and evil than I thought! I'm glad that Bertuccio's sister-in-law took the baby in and raised it. (hide spoiler)]

The Count (view spoiler)[ is so full of schemes that work for him! He wins favor with the wives of both his archenemies, de Villefort and Danglars. He would have to have known how much the horses meant to her. The patience with which the Count schemes and the time he takes to learn about everyone and what makes them tick is amazing! It helps the reader to understand how long the time frame is and the time he is investing in to his revenge plan. (hide spoiler)]

Haydee (view spoiler)[bless her heart. I feel for her since she said her father and the Count are the only two men she's talked with or have talked to her. I'd think she'd just be so happy to have her freedom, but she is in love with The Count. She speaks so tenderly about him. I hope he doesn't do anything to hurt her because he's using her too. (hide spoiler)]

Julie When The Count (view spoiler)[visits the Morrels, I was happy to learn that M. Morrel actually believed it was Dantes who blessed them financially. Unless I missed something, I don't know why he thought that though. And I'm glad that Dantes is pleased at how well the family is doing. It seems to have warmed his heart and he's pretty "emotionless." At least that's how I see him. (hide spoiler)]

[Vicki]

Sarah wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Dumas is a genius! I love how intricately woven the details of the plot are. I think this book is more plot driven than character driven, but I love it because it just draws me in.

T..."

I saw it somewhere and posted it in my thread asking about it and I was told that they (mods I guess) had basically set a one month time frame. Let me see if I can find it.

[Sarah]

Vicki wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Dumas is a genius! I love how intricately woven the details of the plot are. I think this book is more plot driven than character driven, but I love it because it just d..."

If you could find it that would be great. I believe the one month guideline was for BOM.

[Vicki]

@Sarah, maybe it does't apply to the informal reads. I guess I had asked about the BOM and this is what our captain said: "You have 30 days from the start date to finish it for it to count. So if a BOM started on May 13, you have until June 13 to finish it and make enough comments to get credit for it.

After the 30 days, though, you still get credit for finishing the book if you read the whole thing within the challenge dates, but no BOM bonus points."

[Sarah]

Vicki wrote: "@Sarah, maybe it does't apply to the informal reads. I guess I had asked about the BOM and this is what our captain said: "You have 30 days from the start date to finish it for it to count. So if a..."

That's what I thought Vicki, but I wanted to be sure. Otherwise, I would be in the same boat as you!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Yes the 30 days is just for BOMs. 😉
I finished this bang on a month but that was just my personal goal 🤸‍♂️

[Vicki]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Yes the 30 days is just for BOMs. 😉
I finished this bang on a month but that was just my personal goal 🤸‍♂️"

Oh my gosh!!! I can take a breather!!

Thanks for asking, Sarah! LOL

[Sarah]

Vicki wrote: "Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Yes the 30 days is just for BOMs. 😉
I finished this bang on a month but that was just my personal goal 🤸‍♂️"

Oh my gosh!!! I can take a breather!!

Thanks for asking, Sarah! LOL"

You and me both! I would have finished the book anyway, because I'm loving it, but having it count is awesome!

[Vicki]

Sarah, how far along are you in the book? I feel like I'm the only one here. LOL The thing is I also have a historical fiction book to finish for Bookopoly by tomorrow evening. I'll either finish this one or tear through another shorter one.

[Sarah]

I actually think I'm a chapter behind you. Just about to start chapter 50. With all the other books I'm reading and some that have priority and/or are due at the library, this one gets put on the back burner often. I only read a chapter or two at a time.

[Vicki]

Well, now that I know I don't HAVE to finish it tomorrow, I think I'll probably slow down a bit or a lot. I'm conflicted though because Monday-Friday (June 25-29) we have a family reunion with all my children and 16 of my 20 grandchildren so I don't know how much reading I'll get done. LOL But I like that I don't have to finish it tomorrow. I'm about to start Chapter 51.

[Sarah]

As long as you finish before July 31, you're good!

[Tahmina]

I haven’t finished either I’m like on chapter 5 but I’m hoping to make a huge dent this weekend

[Michelle]

Same. I started and then had to put it aside for other challenge books. I'm headed back in, Tahmina. I'll be here with you!

[Tahmina]

Ok sweet thankfully I’m not alone 😃

[Vicki]

Sarah wrote: "As long as you finish before July 31, you're good!"

That is SO good to know!!!

[Vicki]

Tahmina and Sarah, are you ready to continue to tackle this monster so we can get 'er done?

[Sarah]

Vicki wrote: "Tahmina and Sarah, are you ready to continue to tackle this monster so we can get 'er done?"

I've been getting to it slowly and surely!

I'm about to start Chapter 65 Conjugal Scene.

I finally caved in and got a list of characters. These characters are so hard to keep track of! All the Italian/French names are making me crazy!

[Vicki]

Haha! I hear ya. I think you’re ahead of me so I’ll start back up but it’ll be slow or I won’t get anything else read.

[Sarah]

Vicki wrote: "Haha! I hear ya. I think you’re ahead of me so I’ll start back up but it’ll be slow or I won’t get anything else read."

Don't worry, I'm basically doing the same thing. I'm reading about three books at a time including Monte Carlo. I'm only getting to about two or three chapters a day.

[Tahmina]

Sarah wrote: "Vicki wrote: "Haha! I hear ya. I think you’re ahead of me so I’ll start back up but it’ll be slow or I won’t get anything else read."

Don't worry, I'm basically doing the same thing. I'm reading ..."

Yes!!! just starting this today as well.