I love the classics. Though I must admit, as I stand in front of the classics display at the bookstore, I am a little ashamed at how few I’ve actually read. Thus I’ve made it an unofficial goal of mine to read more classic literature, a goal which doesn’t feel so much like a goal as it does a pleasure. With the exception of only one or two (just ask Carrie about Wives and Daughters, ahem), I have never regretted the time spent in the pages of a classic novel.
Speaking of pages, my copy of The Count of Monte Cristo numbers at over 1200 of them which is pretty intimidating to say the least. I ordered the unabridged version based on the reviews I had read but I was a little daunted by the sheer size of the book, especially after reading an abridged version of Les Miserables, a version that still contained several political rants the reader must endure plow through (or at least that was this reader’s experience).
But I read them, all 1200+ pages chronicling the adventures of The Count of Monte Cristo and I loved them, all 1200+ pages. My review in a nutshell: Fantastic. Wonderful. Incredible storytelling. And, finally, man up and read all 1200+ pages; you’ll be so glad you did!
Unlike Les Miserables, I cannot fathom which portion of the story one would condense or, worse, leave out altogether. You need them all. You will love them all. For those of you, like me, unfamiliar with Monte Cristo’s story, young Edmond Dantes is thrown in prison for a crime he did not commit. During his incarceration, he befriends an old priest who claims ownership of a vast fortune hidden on the island of Monte Cristo. Upon his death, the priest shares the secret of the fortune with Dantes who then determines to escape and to use the treasure to exact his revenge upon those responsible for his years spent in prison undeservedly.
All the elements that make for a really good read, a “classic” if you will, are here. Love. Intrigue. Suffering. Mystery. Adventure. Action. Betrayal. Vengeance. Redemption. Honor. Intricate characterization. Compelling plot. Interesting setting.
It’s a classic, to be sure. Not only that but it’s 1200+ pages’ worth of really good reading. Highly recommended!
Note: I read the Penguin Classics’ version of The Count of Monte Cristo (linked in this review) featuring Robin Buss’ translation which I found to be clear, easy to read, and wonderfully written, so well written in fact that I sometimes forgot I was reading a translation!
Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….
Great review! This is one of the best classic stories I’ve ever read! One of my husband’s favorites also. What a SKILLED writer and story teller!
This is probably my all-time favorite classic! I’m so glad you read the unabridged version!
Great review. I couldn’t agree more! This is one of my favorite books. I love it. It may be time for a re-read soon!
I saw the movie Count of Monte Cristo years and years ago and it was amazing.I am going to look into this!
I have always loved The Count of Monte Cristo – a great book and classic.
Great review!
This book is on my TBR list and I plan on reading it July or August. I,too, have heard that one should read the unabridged version. I am glad to read that you did not have a problem with the unabridged version. Especially, since you did take well the unabridged version of Les Miserables (I could not get through that book for the life of me – resorted to Focus on the Family Audio – which was fantastic).
I thought, at some point, this book was going to be read for the bookclub here at 5 Minutes for Books?
I LOVE this book and have loved it since I read it in college, lo those many years ago. In fact, it’s one I re-read fairly regularly. The “pop fiction” of its time, it has such a great story line. Now I’ve got my kids on board. Glad you enjoyed it too.
This is one of my favorites, too! It’s also one that I’ve pressed upon my children, and thus far, three have read it and have loved it.
Jeffrey Archer recently wrote a modern version of the story called A Prisoner of Birth, and it’s really very good.
Great review! I’ve been meaning to read more Dumas for years now, and I think I’ll make this one a priority.
I read the same translation and agree with you that Buss did a superb job. Also, you are exactly right when you say it was such a tightly woven story that there were no superfluous parts. Like Middlemarch, reading this book was a joyous chore.