A review by readingisadoingword
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
adventurous
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I first read this in French in 1999/2000 and immediately fell in love - even through the barrier of a second language.
This re-read just cemented for me how much I love this book and why.
Edmond Dantes is envied and hated by a small group of peers and rivals. They conspire to have him arrested and he is unjustly imprisoned for fourteen years.
The story examines Dantes' confusion, despair, education, renewal and ascendancy. Upon finally escaping his prison he is bent on revenge -a complex, insidious, torturous revenge - to be visited not only on those who betrayed him but their families also. His belief that he is acting as the hand of God is unfaltering, until perhaps he realises that it is not his place...or is it?
This book almost defies reviewing, there is so much in it. It looks at human nature - what makes a person inherently good or evil, what temptations can man withstand and under which circumstances? Should one misjudged act condemn a whole life? Is remorse required for forgiveness? Can the ills of the past be buried and a positive future emerge?
Reading this again, over 20 years since I first discovered it, I wondered whether I would feel the same compassion for the Count and sympathy for his mission - I did!
His intricately plotted vengeance can't help but inspire admiration, I really wanted him to succeed. As his enemies fall one by one, Dantes is confronted with unforeseen dilemmas -how far should he pursue his revenge and at what cost?
I think overall this book is about reflection and repentance - certain characters learn from their errors and others do not and their fates follow accordingly.
This re-read just cemented for me how much I love this book and why.
Edmond Dantes is envied and hated by a small group of peers and rivals. They conspire to have him arrested and he is unjustly imprisoned for fourteen years.
The story examines Dantes' confusion, despair, education, renewal and ascendancy. Upon finally escaping his prison he is bent on revenge -a complex, insidious, torturous revenge - to be visited not only on those who betrayed him but their families also. His belief that he is acting as the hand of God is unfaltering, until perhaps he realises that it is not his place...or is it?
This book almost defies reviewing, there is so much in it. It looks at human nature - what makes a person inherently good or evil, what temptations can man withstand and under which circumstances? Should one misjudged act condemn a whole life? Is remorse required for forgiveness? Can the ills of the past be buried and a positive future emerge?
Reading this again, over 20 years since I first discovered it, I wondered whether I would feel the same compassion for the Count and sympathy for his mission - I did!
His intricately plotted vengeance can't help but inspire admiration, I really wanted him to succeed. As his enemies fall one by one, Dantes is confronted with unforeseen dilemmas -how far should he pursue his revenge and at what cost?
I think overall this book is about reflection and repentance - certain characters learn from their errors and others do not and their fates follow accordingly.