2021 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Our Hefty read for January - March is The Count of Monte Cristo (French: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel written by French author Alexandre Dumas (père) completed in 1844. It is one of the author's more popular works.

The story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean during the historical events of 1815–1839: the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France. It begins on the day that Napoleon left his first island of exile, Elba, beginning the Hundred Days period when Napoleon returned to power. The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book, an adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness. It centers on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about exacting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment.

It is thought that it was a revenge fantasy he wrote on behalf of his father, a Black general who fought in the French Revolution and was ultimately betrayed by Napoleon.

“All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope”
― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

At an approximate amount of pages, 1276 that would translate into arouond 15 pages a day for the 3 months.

Who has plans on reading this Hefty?

[Gilbert]

Sorry to say, I've already read this great story four times over a lifetime and have other heftys that demand attention this year.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Your forgiven Gilbert!

Please join in on any discussions that take place :)

[Wijdan]

I'm reading this to get out of my comfort zone as I usually prefer English classics and avoid hefty reads
So happy to participate again with the group!

[Samantha, Creole Literary Belle]

Glad to have you joining us in discussions, Wijdan!

I tried reading this last year and didn’t make 20% through the ebook. All the rambling from the characters made the book feel like such a drag to me, but I know many readers love this one. I hope those who join the group read have a good time with it. When it comes to reading these hefty works, pace is EVERYTHING. Or nearly everything.

[Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar]

Hi, Wijdan. It's good to have you join us in this hefty read!

[Georgina]

I’ll join for this one but will likely start next month as there’s so many good reads this month.
I’ve heard mixed things about this so I’m intrigued to see for myself.

[Piyangie, Classical Princess]

I'll be joining in too. I've never read an unabridged edition. Will probably start once I finish "The Scapegoat" and "The Garden Party and Other Stories".

[Jazzy]

I have read this a few times, twice in the last few years so not ready to start it again! Last time I read it I met a lady on the metro who said it was her FAVOURITE book of all time! It's in my top 5.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

I am just thrilled you are back and reading with us Wijdan!

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Piyangie and Georgina you are both correct! There are so many good reads for us this month!

Glad to have both of you with us on this one.

[Book Nerd, Purple Book Horse]

I'm a few chapters in. Glad to finally be rereading this.

[Andy]

I will be joining. Just starting today but super excited! This has been on my TBR probably the longest.

[Audrey]

When I listened to the audio, I thought it was about 700 pages. It didn't feel like over a thousand.

[Andy]

My edition is definitely over 1200 pages. I know a lot of Abridged versions of this book exist, are you sure you didn't accidently get one of those in audio?

[Georgina]

Andy wrote: "My edition is definitely over 1200 pages. I know a lot of Abridged versions of this book exist, are you sure you didn't accidently get one of those in audio?"

I’ve just checked my kindle edition and it’s only 486 pages, i purchased it as it was listed as unabridged, I’m not best pleased! I also got the audible book which synced to this shorter version, but the audiobook is 55 hours long, surely this would be the full unabridged version? Or if it’s synced is it just the 486 page version? If anyone knows how best to check then please let me know.
I’m so glad you mentioned this as I would not be happy if I’d got part way through before realising. I’ve gone for a more trusted penguin edition now but would love an audiobook version to go alongside it as I often switch to and fro on longer reads.

[Book Nerd, Purple Book Horse]

Yeah mine is just over 1200 pages and 80 chapters in three [edit FOUR] parts.

[Felicia]

I started this one yesterday and OMG it is wordy in places. I love the story line so far, but secretly thanking the stars above that I decided to go audiobook for this one.

I think if I decide to ever physically read this one, I am going to find a good abridged edition.

[Andy]

I'm 105 pages in and so far... I'm actually surprised at the simplicity of the writing. Like it's not simple or anything, but I was expecting it to be... more complex maybe? Then again the last (classic) book I read was The Brothers Karamazov so that could attribute a lot to that thought process.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

That is like reading Wharton after reading Woolfe Andy for me!

[Book Nerd, Purple Book Horse]

Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[He meets Faria, his Obi-wan. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Book Nerd wrote: "Chapter 16 [spoilers removed]"
Haha!

[Pat the Book Goblin]

This book is in my top 10 favorites. It’s a bit wordy in places (I mean it is a classic lol) but the story itself is a gem. I watched the movie with Jim Caviezel as Edmund Dante’s after I read the book. Great movie

[The Bibliophile Doctor]

I have already started Rebecca and anna Karenina and I'm wondering if I can actually get this one done too. I want to read this one since so long.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

The Bibliophile Doctor the thread even after the 3 months remains open in the Archive section for further reading and comments. Other Members will always read and reply to your comments long after!

[Andy]

I am enjoying this greatly, I'm kicking myself allowing it's size to intimidate me previously. I just cleared chapter 16.

[Felicia]

I am on chapter 31 and like Andy am wishing I didn't let the size of this one intimidate me. It actually moves pretty quickly and is keeping my interest.

[Jazzy]

Felicia I hope you have learnt that size is never a factor to consider when you want to read a book :)

A friend of mine told me that I only want to read big books, that's not true, but most of them are a canny size, like.

I love The Count of Monte Cristo and I envy your first-time reading!

[Jazzy]

& always choose the UNABRIDGED!

[Felicia]

Jazzy wrote: "& always choose the UNABRIDGED!"

My kids have a teen version of this book that I was looking through the other day. There is so much missing! I think the book is only 300 - ish pages long.

[Jazzy]

oh dear, they're missing all the best stuff!

[Audrey]

Andy wrote: "My edition is definitely over 1200 pages. I know a lot of Abridged versions of this book exist, are you sure you didn't accidently get one of those in audio?"

It was unabridged; it was about 40 CDs. But it just felt quick because it was good.

[Felicia]

Jazzy wrote: "oh dear, they're missing all the best stuff!"

I found the unabridged audiobook and I am knocking it out while I work. When I signed up for this one, I didn't notice it was in the hefty section and was confused when everyone was talking about how long it was when I was holding only 300 pages lol.

[Book Nerd, Purple Book Horse]

I finished the first part. It's as good as I remember and I'm surprised how much of the story comes back to me. (view spoiler)[ Now comes revenge! (hide spoiler)]

[Wijdan]

I started this a few days ago (I opted for the audiobook) and I'm pleasantly surprised to find how easy it is to go through every chapter, even the long ones!

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Good morning Wijdan!
Are you following along with the book as well?

I glad you found an easy way to enjoy it! Always a plus.

[Wijdan]

Good morning to you too Lesle!
I follow along with the book sometimes but I really find that some narrators are really talented they make the book so much fun to listen

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

That is great. I have only tried twice and both times I found my brain wondering to things I needed to take care of. lol

[Piyangie, Classical Princess]

I'm yet to begin. I think I'm going to try audio, at least at the beginning. I keep on postponing it day by day, so I may never get to it if I wait to read.

[Shaina]

I finished this book yesterday. I had planned (with a schedule and all) to read this over a period of a month or more like 5 chapters a day as it was quite hefty and my first Dumas so I didnt know what to expect. I started it on the 10th at night and duly read and heard (audio to accompany the book) 5 chapters. As all plans, this one failed spectacularly because I couldn't stop reading it the next day onward.

I dumped the audiobook as it was too slow compared to my excitement of "what next". Needless to say, I finished it on the 14th, was sleep deprived but happy.

I loved the book. 5 stars and more Dumas on the horizon.

[Lesle, Appalachian Bibliophile]

Shaina I am glad to see your passion for moving forward enough for sleepless nights!

I have not read any of his works except The Black Tulip and I really enjoyed it!

[Book Nerd, Purple Book Horse]

Glad you liked it. I'm still reading slowly because too much other crap to do but I wish I could read it all quickly.

What other Dumas books would anybody recommend?

[Felicia]

I finished this today and really enjoyed it. I got confused with the cast of character so I think when I do a re read I will make a reference sheet to help keep them straight. Thank you to those that nominated and seconded this one

[Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar]

I really enjoyed The Black Tulip as well.

[Piyangie, Classical Princess]

The Black Tulip is my favourite Dumas, so far. I fell out with him after reading The Man in the Iron Mask and decided never to read him again. :) But here I'm, wanting to read what is said to be his masterpiece. :)

[Wijdan]

Glad to see some of you have already finished the book!
I plan to read this within a month and if I end up liking it, which seems to be the case, then The Three Musketeers will be on my TBR list

[Andy]

Three Musketeers is on my list, I was gifted a really nice edition thats been so sad and unread. I've heard great things about The Black Tulip as well so I'm going to throw that up on the list too. I feel like I keep repeating myself but this book is truly a delight to read.

[Book Nerd, Purple Book Horse]

In older books you often see names like "the countesse G---".
What's the point of not giving her n actual name? Is it to not confuse her with an actual historical figure?

[Ahmed]

I read an abridged version of this book a long time back. It is one of my favorite books of all the times and I am glad to see so many others enjoying reading this wonderful story.
Probably I should read the unabridged version too once I have some time.

[Wijdan]

Book Nerd wrote: "In older books you often see names like "the countesse G---".
What's the point of not giving her n actual name? Is it to not confuse her with an actual historical figure?"

I googled this and it seems like Countess G--- was a real person but as to why I have no idea. I personally think that these characters are based off persons whom the author knew but wanted the reader to figure out who.