The Count of Monte Cristo Chapters 1-20

[Lisa, the usurper]

Discussion for Chapters 1-20 of the Count of Monte Cristo.

[Allison]

Where is everyone at in the book? I'm just at chapter 12 right now, but I'm really enjoying Dumas' style of writing. It pulled me in really quickly, and I'm enjoying it. How about you guys?

[Debbie]

I've finished 3 chapters but I'm trying to catch up.

[Marie]

I am in the middle of chapter 23. He keeps you wondering what is coming next.

[Allison]

That's so cool, Lesa. The size is a little intimidating, so it's good to hear it is such a page turner the whole way through. :)

[Christyb]

For such a big book, it certainly is a quick read. I just cannot put this book down! My heart goes out to Dantes, it seems as if everybody is conspiring against him!

[Christyb]

I just want to scream at Dantes "WAKE UP! BE CAREFUL! YOUR SO CALLED FRIENDS ARE JEALOUS, AND ARE GOING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HADES!"

[Lisa, the usurper]

Somehow my summer exploded into craziness and I have yet to start the book, but I wanted to know what everyone's favorite part to date was? Sorry for the absence, hopefully things will mellow out soon!

[Lisa, the usurper]

I started this last night and I have to agree with the other comments, what a fun book! Dantes is very trusting and it seems like a train wreck that happens in slow motion, you can see it coming but can do nothing to stop it. The writing style is very enjoyable so far. Might not be such a daunting read after all! Nice choice everyone!

[Allison]

Christyb wrote: "I just want to scream at Dantes "WAKE UP! BE CAREFUL! YOUR SO CALLED FRIENDS ARE JEALOUS, AND ARE GOING TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HADES!""

Haha, totally!!

[Lisa, the usurper]

My French is rusty and my edition does not have a translation in it. What does the song that Caderousse was singing mean?
"Tous les mechants sont beuveurs d'eau;
C'est bien prouve par le deluge."

[Lisa, the usurper]

HaHa! That is quite clever! Thank you for that!

[Debbie]

I am starting chapter 12 now. I am having a little trouble understanding all the politics involved with the story.

[Christyb]

I loved the way chapter 20 ended. I gasped when Dantes let out his shreek.

[Vicky]

I love the style of narrative Dumas uses, most of the time he is the classic omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent narrator but, once in a while, he makes the reader a witness and together the narrator and the reader are watching the drama unfold, he uses the present tense (in the original version in French) which suits this perfectly, and the first person plural (we) as if the omniscient narrator didn't already know where he was headed.

"We will leave Villefort on the road to Paris, travelling—thanks to trebled fees—with all speed, and passing through two or three apartments, enter at the Tuileries the little room with the arched window, so well known as having been the favorite closet of Napoleon and Louis XVIII., and now of Louis Philippe." (1st paragraph chapter 10)

I like the intimacy it creates, it kind of feels like he's holding my hand and showing me around.

[Lisa, the usurper]

I think that is why this book is easier to read and enjoy than others. It seems like a friend is there explaining everything to you. Cozy and comforting all at the same time.

[Lisa, the usurper]

I have to make a confession for this group read, I bailed and only read the Children's Classic version(250 pgs.) I feel really bad, but this summer has just been insane at my house and I could only handle small books during this summer break. I also want to say sorry for the lack of discussions on this and the other group reads. So thanks to everyone for keeping the reading going and also the discussions, again I'm sorry for the dead air from my end.

[Vicky]

Once in a while life catches up with us and it's impossible to stay ahead. Don't worry Lisa, I'm sure we've all been there so we all understand!

Now, are you worried that we'll kick you out?!? LOL. Nay, we still love you, enjoy your summer, we'll be right here!

[Lisa, the usurper]

Vicky wrote: "Once in a while life catches up with us and it's impossible to stay ahead. Don't worry Lisa, I'm sure we've all been there so we all understand!

Now, are you worried that we'll kick you out?!? L..."

HaHa! I thought that I might have to change my mod title to "the brainless one". That is pretty much how I feel, or maybe "the one that feels like a chicken with its head cut off" although that is rather long for a title!

[Amy J.]

Sorry, I haven't been more active. I'm the one who proposed reading this. I just started it a couple of days ago. It's been hectic here. And I doubt I'll finish by the end of Aug, but I'm working on it and I'll get through eventually.

[Lisa, the usurper]

Amy wrote: "Sorry, I haven't been more active. I'm the one who proposed reading this. I just started it a couple of days ago. It's been hectic here. And I doubt I'll finish by the end of Aug, but I'm working o..."

This summer has been just crazy, so I understand completly! Are you enjoying it so far?

[Amy J.]

So far I'm really liking it and my partner has only great things to say about it. I just wish I had more time.