Reviews

Monte-Criston kreivi by Alexandre Dumas

zombiiex's review against another edition

4.0

4.5/5

untitledlullaby's review against another edition

4.0

This was a very very long book. So many things were left to the very last minute it was repetitive and also so long, some things needed to be cut out or edited down. I really liked the last and first acts of the book, they were exciting and it all wound together nicely

nia_13's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A

3.0

allo_leo's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

laticsexile's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

It’s too long, overwrought and ridiculous. The end, which was telegraphed, is ludicrous.
If you take it with a huge pinch of salt, it just about holds up given that it was written nearly 200 years ago. There are moments of genuine tension and one or two good twists, but boy, I’m glad I’ve finally killed it off, like Dantes did with all his foes.

skinnercolin221's review against another edition

5.0

At a whopping 1,243 pages, this is the longest book I've ever tackled, but it flew by faster than many average-length novels. This speed is a testament to Dumas' mastery over flow, mystery, drama, and intrigue. The narrative feels fully three-dimensional, with even side plots contributing significantly to the main story. Characters are imbued with distinct personalities, enriching the tale even further. What's more, the book does more than entertain; it challenges us with thought-provoking lessons and philosophical questions.

I highly recommend it!

lexierae830's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a great classic to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me on a rollercoaster the entire time and I never knew what to expect. I would recommend this to any reader who is looking to read some classics. 

smokingchagga's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is now offícially my favorite book of all time. 

saluki's review against another edition

5.0

Most people are aware of the story of The Count of Monte Cristo due to the numerous adaptations and even the jokes about it being the number one read book for prisoners today. For me, I'd only experienced the 2002 film starring Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce, as well as the recent television drama Revenge that was also billed as an adaptation. I've been meaning to tackle this very, very long classic for many years and was surprised by how much I loved this book. It's definitely one of my favourite classic reads. I can truly see why it was a major topic of conversation in the 1840's, being serialised over eighteen months until finally published as a bestselling European novel; it could compare with the popularity of modern television dramas and the discussions they inspire.

On the eve of his nuptials, nineteen year-old Edmond Dante, First Mate of the Phaeron, looks forward to a bright future as newly appointed Captain and husband to the love of his life, but finds himself an innocent betrayed when he is arrested on the grounds of treason. Without a fair trial, Dante experiences isolated imprisonment in the dungeons of the Chateau d'If and loses everything; his freedom, family, career and last but not least his love, Mercedes.

So, we get a main revenge plot with many, and I mean many, subplots which are often melodramatic. A few subplots in the middle seemed like random filler scenes but their significance become clear as revenge is enacted by Dantes in his guise as the extraordinarily wealthy and enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo. Dantes alter egos are a thrilling part of the tale and I especially enjoyed his part as the pseudonymous Sinbad the Sailor, the fictional hero of the Middle East who embarks on fantastical voyages, because it seems apt for this former sailor creating a fantastical persona.

Dantes wants the justice he was denied and his betrayers continue to be fuelled by greed, jealousy and social aspirations. They are despicable characters and it's easy to sympathise with Dante and feel he is justified in his actions while looking forward to the spectacular style in which he will contrive their comeuppance and ruin. Conversely, Dante does not forget those who remained loyal to him and he is conflicted when innocents suffer as a result of his manipulations and plotting. For all his clever planning and deceptions, we wonder is it all really worth it?

Edmond Dante is a complex character and throughout the novel he is consumed not only by vengeance but also hope. Does he get his revenge? Does he find love and happiness?

Wait and Hope.

readwithdyl's review against another edition

5.0

This was the longest book I’ve ever read, but I was thoroughly engrossed for all 1,243 pages. An incredible story full of dramatic reveals and brilliantly complex characters, this is truly a masterpiece.

The Robin Buss translation is accessible but beautifully written and provides helpful and interesting endnotes to guide you’re reading.