Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas, 4.5 stars

[NancyJ]

I reread The Count of Monte Cristo (1200+ pages), with the Great American Read group. It's considered one of the best revenge stories of all time. I read it when I was very young (it was most likely an abridged version), and I absolutely loved it. It was one of the first books that made me feel grown up. It wasn't quite as exciting this time (it drags in the middle), but I have a deeper understanding of the characters and the plot, and overall it's more meaningful. My rating for this reading is closer to 4, but I will most likely round up to give it the 5 points that I gave it the first time.

For those who haven't read it, it's about a man who is framed by several men (including a romantic rival, a professional rival, and someone who is protecting the real traitor), and sent to a notorious prison and kept in a dungeon all alone. He eventually meets another political prisoner who changes his way of thinking, and tells him about a hidden treasure. He escapes after 14 years and vows to take revenge on the people who ruined his live. His revenge plans are very ingenious and complicated, and it brought up many moral questions for me.

Note there are a few different translations from the original French. I read two different ones and didn't notice huge differences, but many recommend the version translated by Buss.

[Nicole R]

I. Loved. This. Book.

But, I read it a long time ago and the more I see new reviews, like yours, the more I question if I read the abridged version. I remember it being long, but not 1200 pages long....

I would like to reread it anyway, this time being sure it is not abridged. I need a really good audio version of it! Wouldn't it be fabulous on audio with the right narrator?! In my mind, for some reason, it sounds like Hugh Jackman.... lol

[NancyJ]

Nicole R wrote: "I. Loved. This. Book.

But, I read it a long time ago and the more I see new reviews, like yours, the more I question if I read the abridged version. I remember it being long, but not 1200 pages lo..."

I listened to two different audios. I preferred the one narrated by John Lee, compared to the Alan Munro. But some might prefer Munro's more energetic delivery. There are many different choices. (I love that Audible lets you return the ones you don't like.)

I read this with a group over 3 months, while reading other books. I took a long break in the middle. If I had it to do over again, I would just read it straight through.

It's a fabulous book. When I read it in my youth, it was easier to sympathize with everything the MC did, and the revenge felt just right. Now, with maturity, and the full story, it's a lot more complicated, as it should be. I found it very interesting to hear what he said to himself to justify (or not) his actions.

[Nicole R]

I did see there are lots of options and I added one to my Audible wish list (I can't think of the narrators name, but I don't think it was either of the ones you mentioned).

I have a couple of long books in my queue right now, but this could be a great option for those long winter months! Nothing warms you up like a classic tale of revenge! lol

[Hebah]

I read this one with my husband a few years ago as it's one of his favorite novels. Such a compelling story and character study.

[Book Concierge]

Whenever I see a review (or even a mention) of this book I think of the scene in the movie Shawshank Redemption where they are sorting donated books for the prison library.

One guy says, "This book's by dumb-ass."

The hero corrects the pronunciation of Dumas ... and tells him, 'You should read it. I think you'll like it. It's about a prison escape."

[Karin]

This really is a stellar book--yes, it was mentioned in Shawshank Redemption.