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millennial_dandy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
<i>"The one who pours himself a cup of vengeance is likely to drink a bitter draught."
"Yes, if he is poor and clumsy; no, if he's a millionaire and adroit." </i> p.385
The Count of Monte Cristo is, despite its girth and size, an excellent gateway into the Classics. And this for a number of reasons:
One, having been written serially, each chapter or at most, each couple of chapters, contains within a short story with a climax and cliffhanger that together serve an overarching plot. This means that the pacing clips along, so that before you know it, you're three hundred pages deep and still in the thick of things.
Two, it's much more linguistically accessible than classics/literary fiction has a reputation to be. Not that the prose isn't lovely in places--it is-- but for the most part, the prose is there as a vehicle for an exciting story. For someone who isn't looking to or is just starting to get used to wading through dense, multi-line sentences, each with their own dense, philosophical musings, metaphors, and hidden meanings, Monte Cristo is perfect. Given that it was written in the mid 19th century, there are some stylistic quirks that are obviously different to how such a novel would be written today, but it's easy enough to get into the rhythm.
Three, it is thematically pretty straightforward. This is principally a revenge fantasy plot wrapped around the question of whether or not revenge is a worthy cause to pursue. It explores how seeking revenge impacts the person seeking it as well as the fallout when it goes to plan. There's also a related question that Dumas raises about where, if anywhere, Providence ends and free-will begins. This may sound like a slightly more esoteric ponderance, but Dumas keeps it accessible by having the Count/Dantes call himself 'the Hand of God' about which he has several conversations with other principal characters.
I was frankly pretty amazed by how little in a novel published in the mid 1840s aged poorly. There are a few things that on first blush may appear to be at odds with our 21st century sensibilities, but Dumas makes it clear contextually that he as the author isn't suggesting these things are good, but is in fact including them as proof of the Count/Dantes's corruption. At one point, the Count tells one of the 'good guys', Franz, about how he acquired one of his <s>slaves</s> servants: by waiting until after the man had had his tongue cut out to rescue him from execution because 'he'd always wanted a mute servant.' <i>"For a moment Franz said nothing, considering what he should think of the cruel good humour with which his host had told him this story."</i> (p.316) And then later, when the Count speaks of this slave, Ali, again to someone else: <i>"He receives no wages, he is not a servant, he is my slave, he is my dog. If he were to fail in his duty, I should not dismiss him. I should kill him." Baptistin's eyes bulged"</i> (p.528)
Then, of course, there's the elephant in the room: the Count's slave girl/mistress, Haydee, who he buys when she's a child, raises as his daughter, and eventually ends up in a romantic relationship with (thanks, I hate it). Even though this is the area where Dumas treads the closest to...poor taste (?) to say the least, he still has enough context and negative reaction from other characters to this relationship that the narrative isn't celebrating it. Still, definitely gives one the ick.
I rather think that the relative openness with which Dumas displays his tale's moral compass makes it a good starter for a reader just learning how to do literary analysis. What Dumas has to say about revenge can be easily extrapolated from the things his characters say and do in addition to the consequences and outcomes of those actions.
And, frankly, it's just a very compelling story with a memorable protagonist, a very discussable plot, and with enough intrigue to flesh itself out.
Sure, in a novel over 1000 pages, there are bound to be things that get overwritten, and a few too many side-plots, but it all comes back together in the end in a way that makes getting through those moments still feel worth it.
Is it the greatest novel ever written? I wouldn't accuse it of that, but it's definitely clear to me why it's stood the test of time, and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a Netflix mini-series in the nearish future now that BookTok's gotten a hold of this sprawling novel.
"Yes, if he is poor and clumsy; no, if he's a millionaire and adroit." </i> p.385
The Count of Monte Cristo is, despite its girth and size, an excellent gateway into the Classics. And this for a number of reasons:
One, having been written serially, each chapter or at most, each couple of chapters, contains within a short story with a climax and cliffhanger that together serve an overarching plot. This means that the pacing clips along, so that before you know it, you're three hundred pages deep and still in the thick of things.
Two, it's much more linguistically accessible than classics/literary fiction has a reputation to be. Not that the prose isn't lovely in places--it is-- but for the most part, the prose is there as a vehicle for an exciting story. For someone who isn't looking to or is just starting to get used to wading through dense, multi-line sentences, each with their own dense, philosophical musings, metaphors, and hidden meanings, Monte Cristo is perfect. Given that it was written in the mid 19th century, there are some stylistic quirks that are obviously different to how such a novel would be written today, but it's easy enough to get into the rhythm.
Three, it is thematically pretty straightforward. This is principally a revenge fantasy plot wrapped around the question of whether or not revenge is a worthy cause to pursue. It explores how seeking revenge impacts the person seeking it as well as the fallout when it goes to plan. There's also a related question that Dumas raises about where, if anywhere, Providence ends and free-will begins. This may sound like a slightly more esoteric ponderance, but Dumas keeps it accessible by having the Count/Dantes call himself 'the Hand of God' about which he has several conversations with other principal characters.
I was frankly pretty amazed by how little in a novel published in the mid 1840s aged poorly. There are a few things that on first blush may appear to be at odds with our 21st century sensibilities, but Dumas makes it clear contextually that he as the author isn't suggesting these things are good, but is in fact including them as proof of the Count/Dantes's corruption. At one point, the Count tells one of the 'good guys', Franz, about how he acquired one of his <s>slaves</s> servants: by waiting until after the man had had his tongue cut out to rescue him from execution because 'he'd always wanted a mute servant.' <i>"For a moment Franz said nothing, considering what he should think of the cruel good humour with which his host had told him this story."</i> (p.316) And then later, when the Count speaks of this slave, Ali, again to someone else: <i>"He receives no wages, he is not a servant, he is my slave, he is my dog. If he were to fail in his duty, I should not dismiss him. I should kill him." Baptistin's eyes bulged"</i> (p.528)
Then, of course, there's the elephant in the room: the Count's slave girl/mistress, Haydee, who he buys when she's a child, raises as his daughter, and eventually ends up in a romantic relationship with (thanks, I hate it). Even though this is the area where Dumas treads the closest to...poor taste (?) to say the least, he still has enough context and negative reaction from other characters to this relationship that the narrative isn't celebrating it. Still, definitely gives one the ick.
I rather think that the relative openness with which Dumas displays his tale's moral compass makes it a good starter for a reader just learning how to do literary analysis. What Dumas has to say about revenge can be easily extrapolated from the things his characters say and do in addition to the consequences and outcomes of those actions.
And, frankly, it's just a very compelling story with a memorable protagonist, a very discussable plot, and with enough intrigue to flesh itself out.
Sure, in a novel over 1000 pages, there are bound to be things that get overwritten, and a few too many side-plots, but it all comes back together in the end in a way that makes getting through those moments still feel worth it.
Is it the greatest novel ever written? I wouldn't accuse it of that, but it's definitely clear to me why it's stood the test of time, and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a Netflix mini-series in the nearish future now that BookTok's gotten a hold of this sprawling novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Violence
olorin85's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Dementia, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and War
Minor: Child death, Colonisation, and Classism
isabelle8794's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was extremely slow and unnecessary for about 60% of the book, but the remaining 40% was good. The plot was surprisingly complex.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
plums__'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Classic tale about good and evil, a reflection on morality through the lense of a gripping adventure. An absolute blast to read in the summertime, accompanied me to the other side of the world and still had me on a chokehold for months. Had a blast.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Violence
I have to add something I never heard anyone talk about whilst talking about this book and it's a couple of very specific scenes that I found quite triggering. I'm referring to thefourmclaren's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
those 1276 pages were worth every single second i spent reading it them!!! the intricacy of this masterpiece will never fail to amaze me and i could talk about it for hours : the way every character was painted with the most beautiful brush strokes, the depth of each of them making them seem oh so real, the amazing underlying work that must have been put in to simply not forget one plot or the other, and my Gods, the witiness of it all, the sarcasm, the irony of it all constrasting with the beautiful and almost daunting soliloquies and dialogues. as soon as you hit the last page, there is nothing that you want more than experiencing it again
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Sexual content
dwarrowdams's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A delight. Very glad I opted to read the unabridged version because while it's absolutely massive, it's an enjoyable read. There were a couple bits that did get confusing, especially about a third of the way in, but things all come together quickly enough. There is so much to this book, and even as the plot sweeps you along, no emotional depth is lost in the process. It's really a lovely book, and while I was intimidated by the page count for a long time, I'm glad I decided to pick it up.
I think what struck me most about this book is the fact that, after Dantes has spent years planning out his revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment, he modifies or abandons those plans for the sake of people he's come to care about. He did so much work to bring about the ruin of de Morcerf and was planning to kill his son, but changed courses when Mercedes came to him and begged him not to kill Albert. The same for Villefort, but he made sure that Valentine lived because he'd come to see Maximilien Morrel as a son. So yes, it's a story about revenge and how humans may be motivated to carry out justice when God/the gods fail to do so, but it's also a story about how even someone so filled with bitterness and hurt, someone who suffered due to the jealousy and fear of others, can change his course when he's reminded of the love and care that people have for each other.
That being said, seeing the revenge unfold was also super fun, and my jaw definitely dropped at a few points once I started to see how Dantes had manipulated situations (teaching Madame de Villefort about poisons, financially ruining Danglars). It's very much a "come for the revenge/vigilante justice, stay for something that'll restore your hope in humanity" book.
As a final selling point, I have ADHD and although it took me a bit, I was not only able to finish this 1200-page book, but I legitimately enjoyed reading it. That's a testimony to how skilled of a writer Dumas is (which makes sense: since this was originally serialized in a newspaper, he'd have to maintain an engaging plot to keep people reading).
Highly recommend the Penguin edition specifically because the translation is very solid and the end notes are helpful. Also recommend some kind of book stand/page holder tool because holding that thing open when I was at the beginning or end legitimately hurt my hand.
A final fun fact: Dumas was biracial (his paternal grandfather was Black), so if you want to read "classic lit" that wasn't written by a white man, this fits the bill.
That being said, seeing the revenge unfold was also super fun, and my jaw definitely dropped at a few points once I started to see how Dantes had manipulated situations (teaching Madame de Villefort about poisons, financially ruining Danglars). It's very much a "come for the revenge/vigilante justice, stay for something that'll restore your hope in humanity" book.
As a final selling point, I have ADHD and although it took me a bit, I was not only able to finish this 1200-page book, but I legitimately enjoyed reading it. That's a testimony to how skilled of a writer Dumas is (which makes sense: since this was originally serialized in a newspaper, he'd have to maintain an engaging plot to keep people reading).
Highly recommend the Penguin edition specifically because the translation is very solid and the end notes are helpful. Also recommend some kind of book stand/page holder tool because holding that thing open when I was at the beginning or end legitimately hurt my hand.
A final fun fact: Dumas was biracial (his paternal grandfather was Black), so if you want to read "classic lit" that wasn't written by a white man, this fits the bill.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Violence, Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Death of parent
mionnechan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Murder
krabschass's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Child death and Rape
puttingwingsonwords's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Colonisation
Minor: Infidelity and Alcohol
jo_lzr's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Despite being very slow at times, it's amazing how a book this long manages to be so interesting! There are many quotes that I loved and the writing was so profound.
Also, I can't express how happy I am that not only there was a lesbian couple but that they also got a happy ending! It was a very pleasant surprise!
I can't give this book 5 stars because I think that Mércédés deserved better! Even though I ship her with Edmond, I get why they can't be together. I just wish that she would have gotten a better ending. Plus, Haydée and Monte Cristo's relationship was very weird. For example, that part near the end, where her love for him is described as the love for a father AND a husband (and a brother). That was weird. Though, it could also be that Haydée has daddy issues.
I can't give this book 5 stars because I think that Mércédés deserved better! Even though I ship her with Edmond, I get why they can't be together. I just wish that she would have gotten a better ending. Plus, Haydée and Monte Cristo's relationship was very weird. For example, that part near the end, where her love for him is described as the love for a father AND a husband (and a brother). That was weird. Though, it could also be that Haydée has daddy issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Lesbophobia