April Classics Read - The Count of Monte Cristo

[Srividya]

Blurb

'On what slender threads do life and fortune hang'

Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration.

Join us this month as we read Dumas' epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialised in the 1840s.

Note:

1. This will be a two month read starting 1st April till 31st May, 2015.

2. Please use spoiler tags to ensure a spoiler free discussion.

Happy reading!

[Akshay]

Great book!

[IShita]

I so wanted to read this, I even voted for it! But I don't think I'll be able to start this on the 1st :\

[Ipshita]

This is a really good book. I feel like reading it again.

[IShita]

Ipshi, let's do this after A Tale. What say? :D

[Anirudh]

I wanted to read this but can't find the time right now. All the best to everyone who wishes to read. :)

[Ipshita]

Ishita wrote: "Ipshi, let's do this after A Tale. What say? :D"

Sure :)

[~~Poulomi Sylphrena Tonk$~~]

When is everyone planning to start this?

[Purvika]

I am starting this today ... I will finish fountainhead in few hours then will pick count. What about you ?

[Srividya]

Polo and Purvika - I will be starting this one towards the end of this month. Am really swamped with reads right now..so can't get to this before that. Also I need to finish LD before I get here, else my buddy will kill me! :P

[~~Poulomi Sylphrena Tonk$~~]

Purvi: I'm free at the moment.. This one is huge, so I'll take it slow. I can start it today with you. :)

Sri: Ha Ha! :D
And you got NoTW too, mumma.. :)
I'll go slow with Count, so I'll be here when you start too hopefully.

[Srividya]

Exactly Polo. So it will be NOTW, LD, Poet and then this one.. So I will come here only by the last week of April. Of course, I need to finish this before 31st May for the Classics Collaboration, so will speed read it. :P

[~~Poulomi Sylphrena Tonk$~~]

Mumma, are you sure? I had it on my Classics Collaboration list too.. I mean, I had claimed the book long back.. :(
I don't know if things changed in the meanwhile..

[Srividya]

Yeah..someone had given it up.. Am not sure if it was you. However, it came back as being available. However, if you are reading it, do mention it there and I can take something else..no worries. It wasn't marked as taken in the spreadsheet, which is why I opted for it!

Go to the thread and post it..so that I can take something else then. :)

[~~Poulomi Sylphrena Tonk$~~]

Srividya wrote: "Yeah..someone had given it up.. Am not sure if it was you. However, it came back as being available. However, if you are reading it, do mention it there and I can take something else..no worries. I..."

Yeah, I posted it. When I claimed it, it was #18 on the list.. Now something else is there against it. I'm so confused. :(

I'm sorry, Sri.. I was totally ignorant about whatever was going on there, because I thought I had claimed my books already and the work was done.

[Srividya]

I was also surprised on seeing it available..because I thought someone had taken it. However, I thought that it must have been one of the many who left the group and that's why it became available.. No worries, I will choose something else in it's stead! :)

[Rebecca]

Just finished chapter 18. This is a fast mover unlike any classic Ive read before.

[Srividya]

Looks like you will be the first of the lot to finish Rebecca! :)

[Jarvis]

*jumps in for the discussion and waits for people's reading updates*

[Annette]

Lol . Gehna ,you voted for this book !! Are you not going to read it !?

[Jarvis]

I have read this book! :)

[Rajashree]

me too :)

[Rebecca]

I am in chapter 29. Loving it.

[Jarvis]

What is happening in the story, Rebecca? :)

[Jarvis]

@Raju... liked it? :)

[Annette]

Gehna wrote: "I have read this book! :)"

Then ,Read it again :P

[Rebecca]

(view spoiler)[ Edmont Dantes the hero has escaped from the prison and is tracking down the conspirators in his crime. He has talked to Caderousse who was a witness to the conspiracy and has repaid the debts of his old friend abd employer M. Morrel. (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

I love the pace and the narration. Easy to see why it's a classic.

[Srividya]

DeeJ and Rebecca.. Can you post questions under spoiler tags for the sections that you have read? It will help in starting the discussion.

DeeJ - if you can, do something similar to what you did for NOTW! :)

[Jarvis]

@Annette.... nahhhh :P

@Rebecca (view spoiler)[ His escape plan was nice, no? That man is clever! :) (hide spoiler)]

Sri, yes, ma'am! I will try! :D

[Rebecca]

@ Gehna (view spoiler)[ It sure was. Have seen his generosity in action towards Caderousse and Morrel. Now am looking forward to his revenge in action . (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Sri am not very good at these things. Let Gehna put up some and then I will know what sort of questions to ask at least.

[Jarvis]

Owww! I almost forgot about this.... :O

So, finally, how many people ARE reading this? O.O

I will start posting questions (in spoiler) from tomorrow.

[Jarvis]

@Rebecca.... (view spoiler)[ Revenge is the main element of this book. I am sure you are going to enjoy this :) (hide spoiler)]

[Ahtims]

Gehna wrote: "Owww! I almost forgot about this.... :O

So, finally, how many people ARE reading this? O.O

I will start posting questions (in spoiler) from tomorrow."

Tried to start it a couple of days ago. But somehow couldn't keep up my interest, especially as I have already read it once. Will try again after a few days, perhaps at the end of April, along with Srividya.

[Rebecca]

@Gehna sure.:P

[Purvika]

I started it this morning and I am loving the writing :)

[Jarvis]

Rebecca wrote: "@Gehna sure.:P"
Hehehe *giggles*

[Jarvis]

V@Smitha... cool.... will catch you here in late April :)

Purvi, how much done? :)

[Jarvis]

*DISCUSSION POINTS*

Ch1 to Ch5

(view spoiler)[ 1. Dantès character is described as calm and collected. What do you think of him and his work which he does for Morrel?

2. Both Danglars and Fernand are jealous of Dantès, but for different reasons. What do you think of this difference and the trouble it can cause?

3. What elements, other than jealousy, do you think will play a major role in the story?

4. What do you think sudden arresting of Dantès on his wedding? (hide spoiler)]

[Purvika]

At present I am in chapter 2 ( don't kill me I had other books to read as well :P )

I'll answer and check spoiler once I reach chapter 5 :)

[Jarvis]

Oh, and don't open the spoiler tag before ch5.. otherwise you will kill me :P

[Rebecca]

(view spoiler)[ 1. Yes Dantes indeed appears to be calm and collected which is a surprise considering his age and not a surprise considering the enormous feat he accomplished for Morrel. He assumed responsibility as captain in the captains absence, won over his crew with his good will and succceeded in his mission for his employer. He is smart and unique for one of his age.

2.It is said that all problems in this world can be attributed to two factors Money and Women. Some who are ambitious crave for the first like Danglars and some who are sentimental crave for love like Fernand. Both of them yearn for something that is about to be Dante's and hence their jealousy.

3.REVENGE

4.We already know that Dante's love life is doomed but the arrest on his wedding day makes the blow harder. (hide spoiler)]

[Jarvis]

@Rebecca (view spoiler)[4. I agree.... With Fernand around, it was difficult but the arrest spoiled it badly :(
Can you post questions from ch 6 to ch 10? (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca]

Discussion Points Chapter 6 to 10

(view spoiler)[ 1. What do you think of Villefort especially as to his being in favour or against the king?

2 Dantes proclaims as to knowing nothing of the letter entrusted by the Captain. Does that actually absolve him?

3.Villefort is not really villainous at heart. He does what he does for a certain reason. Does that justify him? If not why?

4 What do you think of Caderousse's role in the conspiracy?

5 What do you think of Louis XVIII? Is he the sort of king you always visualised a king would be? (hide spoiler)]

[Purvika]

*DISCUSSION POINTS*
Ch1 to Ch5

(view spoiler)[ 1. Dantès character is described as calm and collected. What do you think of him and his work which he does for Morrel?

I think his upbringing attributes to his nature and that he hails from a poor family. His calm and collected character is definitely the highlight of the story till now. I quite liked how he rejected the dinner offer because he wanted to see his old fathar. Also, where he see his betrothed with her cousin and realized that he might see a suitor in him.

2. Both Danglars and Fernand are jealous of Dantès, but for different reasons. What do you think of this difference and the trouble it can cause?

I think Danglars is much more dangerous than Fernand as Fernand was jealous because of his love towards Mercedes but be choose not to do anything for the same love but Danglars is mean and manipulative. He took advantage of Fernando's jealousy to remove Dante from his own way.

3. What elements, other than jealousy, do you think will play a major role in the story?
I think Greed and revenge will be the other elements that will have a major role..or maybe love as well.

4. What do you think sudden arresting of Dantès on his wedding?
The plotting Danglars did with Fernand was the reason for his arrest. I think it will destroy the chance of their marriage and also it will destroy Dente's career. Maybe his life. As well. (hide spoiler)]

[~~Poulomi Sylphrena Tonk$~~]

I just started this one yesterday. 3 chapters in.
The plot is gripping, and the pace is good.
(view spoiler)[ The plan is set. Danglars hatred towards Dante seems intriguing. I wonder what's the reason behind it. Jealousy and inferiority complex? Maybe.
I like the character Mercedes. She seems like a strong-headed woman. Too early to say anything, though.

I'm already on the edge waiting to know what happens next. :) (hide spoiler)]

Will read some more and get into the discussion.

What about everyone? Liking the story? :)

[Rebecca]

I am in chapter 40. Intrigued......

[Vân]

May I join in? I've just picked up this book and only reached chapter 18. Just hope I can have some motivations here

[Jarvis]

Yay! Tonks! You too reading it! :D:D