misskitty14's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Let me first say that there are a lot of issues with the story, and the general disposability of women throughout. I was also quite surprised by the casual violence even when accounting for the period.
Having said that, I did thoroughly enjoy the adventure. Dumas has a wonderful narrative style that I found quite modern. The characters are deeply flawed but there is just something fun about them. They are the true embodiment of "swashbuckling."
I grew up loving the 1993 film and was surprised While we can certainly critique the mistreatment of Milady, I will say that the most thrilling chapters of the book center around her (that ending!)
Spoiler
specifically the rape of Milady (our "hero" tricks her into sex using a fake identity)Having said that, I did thoroughly enjoy the adventure. Dumas has a wonderful narrative style that I found quite modern. The characters are deeply flawed but there is just something fun about them. They are the true embodiment of "swashbuckling."
I grew up loving the 1993 film and was surprised
Spoiler
to discover that the central villain is Milady, while the Cardinal, impressed by the bravado of the musketeers, sort of becomes an unlikely ally. I wonder how much of this stems from the status of the church during Dumas's time.Graphic: Death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, War, Violence, and Sexism
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