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krichardson's review against another edition
4.0
There's definitely a reason this is a classic! The first third(ish) of this book has so much going on it hooked me instantly. It slows down to become a political drama, but that was also a lot of fun (when I could keep all the characters and their multiple names straight
zorozen's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nicknazario's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aylas_journey's review against another edition
3.0
FINALLY FINISHED! It took me THREE MONTHS to read this book. I think the author has too many descriptors that take away from the story, but the story itself is fascinating. I can tell that the theme of revenge and redemption are going to stick with me for a long time.
anitahacker's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
erickibler4's review against another edition
5.0
In the annals of fictional grim avengers, Edmond Dantès is comparable to Batman. He's a master of disguise, speaks most known languages, can see in the dark, and he has a similar narrow focus on justice.
However, whereas Batman is a protector of the innocent, the Count of Monte Cristo acts recklessly, and is willing to harm whoever gets in the way of his vengeance. At least until--well, I won't spoil it. I'll just note that there were many points in reading this book when I felt a certain amount of contempt for Dantès and his methods. Even when he fancies himself as being benevolent toward his friends, he seems quite cruel. But the fact that he can't really be pigeonholed as good or evil adds to the excitement of the book. He's a man made into a force of nature by adversity.
There's a lot of adventure, intrigue, and plot packed into this big book. Piracy, banditry, dueling, con men, the risks of high finance, romantic love, hashish, the ruins and pageantry of Rome, the high society of Paris, dark dungeons. I found fascinating the description of early telegraphs, which were not electronic, but visible signals passed from tower to tower across the miles. Also, it was interesting the way a same sex relationship between two characters was portrayed. It was coded, not named directly, but apparent to the perceptive reader. And it was presented, I thought, without judgment. Two young women who wanted to make their way in the world together without the strictures of having to be married to a man. Another factor: the reign of Napoleon looms large over the beginning of the book, and provides the narrative push.
A very entertaining read.
However, whereas Batman is a protector of the innocent, the Count of Monte Cristo acts recklessly, and is willing to harm whoever gets in the way of his vengeance. At least until--well, I won't spoil it. I'll just note that there were many points in reading this book when I felt a certain amount of contempt for Dantès and his methods. Even when he fancies himself as being benevolent toward his friends, he seems quite cruel. But the fact that he can't really be pigeonholed as good or evil adds to the excitement of the book. He's a man made into a force of nature by adversity.
There's a lot of adventure, intrigue, and plot packed into this big book. Piracy, banditry, dueling, con men, the risks of high finance, romantic love, hashish, the ruins and pageantry of Rome, the high society of Paris, dark dungeons. I found fascinating the description of early telegraphs, which were not electronic, but visible signals passed from tower to tower across the miles. Also, it was interesting the way a same sex relationship between two characters was portrayed. It was coded, not named directly, but apparent to the perceptive reader. And it was presented, I thought, without judgment. Two young women who wanted to make their way in the world together without the strictures of having to be married to a man. Another factor: the reign of Napoleon looms large over the beginning of the book, and provides the narrative push.
A very entertaining read.
joeylistens's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Count of Monte Cristo captivated me from start to finish with its gripping and intricately woven plot. Alexandre Dumas takes what could have been a straightforward revenge story and layers it with emotional depth and moral complexity, creating a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat while also making you reflect on the cost of vengeance. Edmond Dantès’ transformation from a wronged young man into the calculating Count is both riveting and tragic, and the way his quest for retribution unfolds shows just how much he loses in the process. Dumas doesn’t simply give us villains to hate—he imbues each character with enough depth that, at times, I found myself questioning whether Dantès’ justice was entirely deserved. The richness of the historical setting only adds to the weight of the story, immersing you in 19th-century France with a level of detail that made me want to dive deeper into the period myself. From the desolate isolation of Château d’If to the bustling streets of Paris, the settings felt real and alive, enhancing both the characters and the narrative. The writing itself struck the perfect balance for me—intelligent and creative without being overly complex. I appreciated how Dumas’ prose challenged me without detracting from the flow of the story, although the French names and references occasionally made me pause. That said, the language always added to the atmosphere, making the world feel authentic and fully realized. Emotionally, this book left a lasting impact. From the heartbreaking moments with the Abbey to the thrill of watching Dantès exact his carefully plotted revenge, I was fully invested in every step of the journey. Even after finishing, I couldn’t stop thinking about the choices Dantès made and how different his life could have been if he had chosen love and forgiveness instead of revenge and hatred. It’s a powerful reminder that even the most justified retribution comes with a price, and Dumas makes sure you feel the weight of every decision.
une_passante's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0