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A review by misskitty14
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
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, specifically the rape of Milady (our "hero" tricks her into sex using a fake identity) 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 surprisedto 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. 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!)
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
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Classism
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Religious bigotry, and War