The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Set against the tumultuous years of the post-Napoleonic era, The Count of Monet Cristo recounts the swashbuckling adventures of Edmond Dantes, a dashing young sailor falsely accused of treason. The story of his long imprisonment, dramatic escape, and carefully wrought revenge offers up a vision of France that has become immortal.

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure about reading this, simply because the copy I had was over 1400 pages long, but I am so glad that I did. Most of the book concentrates on Edmond Dantes’ revenge on those who had him imprisioned, but Dumas tells it in a way that truly engrosses the reader. The plot had twist and turns, adventure and romance. I was on Dantes’ side the whole time, even when his machinations led to the death or misery of people who were not the ones who had plotted against him. Dantes sometimes saw himself as an avenging angel, but at other times wondered if what he was doing was right, which is part of why I liked him. He wasn’t always sure, but he still acted. He also helped many people along the way, which made the story more interesting and him more likeable. I have to say that after all those pages, I was glad there was the hope of a happy ending for him and his princess.

I read the unabridged version and would recommend that others do the same. I can’t see how an abridged version would provide such an immersion in the story.