The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Book Review

by April (Books&Wine) on August 25, 2009

Book Review: The Count Of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo

Reading an abridged book is like eating cake without frosting. You don’t really need the frosting, but the frosting is what gives a cake it’s delicious flavor. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a book which ought to be read unabridged, if only for the richness and flavor of the text. The evolution of Edmond Dantes from sailor to prisoner to Count of Monte Cristo is enthralling. Alexander Dumas’s book is captivating. It is hard to set aside CoMC, as the characters are extremely interesting and well-developed. It’s not like the antagonists are straight-up bad guys with no redeeming qualities, they are just people who make bad choices and act out of self-interest.

Essentially, the moral provided in this HUGE tome is that revenge is a dish best served cold. In order to understand why I say this, I shall provide some backstory. Three men known to Edmond Dantes, all jealous of him in some way, one wants his job, the other wants his girlfriend, plot a way to put Edmond Dantes in prison. Their plan works and Dantes is arrested. He’s thrown in prison without a trial. Dantes spends awhile in jail and thinks of nothing but his revenge. Eventually, Dantes escapes and becomes the Count of Monte Cristo. Luckily, for the reader we get to see the entire evolution of Dantes, we see him in his darkest moments as well as in his crowning glory. His revenge is most apt.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to be transported into another time as well as for someone who is looking to fall in love with well-developed characters. There are many editions out there, I recommend the Robin Buss unabridged translation published by Penguin Classics. Buss’s translation is fantastic and readable, the phrasing is not awkward at all, as i

n other translations. Also, Buss’s translation includes all of the naughty bits – i.e. one sex scene, some drug use, and a dash of homosexuality.

While reading this awesome book, I would recommend drinking some wine. As I feel when people plot things, wine is typically the beverage of choice. Chianti makes me feel classy, and this book is a classy, interesting, intense read. I wouldn’t recommend liver with your chianti though. ;-)

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April is 24 years old. She is an educator. In her free time she can be found reading, working out, or eating junk food. She often wears her sunglasses at night.

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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Sarbear August 25, 2009 at 7:25 pm

K, I love this book but I liked the movie ending better — I like Mercedes in the movie!

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Sarbear August 25, 2009 at 7:26 pm

Still, an amazing book!

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Jenny August 25, 2009 at 7:55 pm

I love this book!! One of my favorites!
Although I never realized there were different versions/translations. =(

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upsidedownduck August 25, 2009 at 8:31 pm

I've never been one for the classics, unfortunately, always feeling they're overrated, but The Count of Monte Cristo has always been one of my favorites! I'll have to check out this version/translation for the next time I want to reread it!

~Undine

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Jenn-ay August 26, 2009 at 8:22 am

I've always wanted to pick up this book and maybe now I'll really add it to my wish list.

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baileysandbooks August 26, 2009 at 9:28 am

This is one of my favorite high school reads that I sometimes forget about. Very nice review.

And with the chianti – don't forget the fava beans. ;D

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Lori August 26, 2009 at 11:18 am

I am ashamed to admit I've never read this, but after your review, April, I'm adding it to my TBR list!

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Chris September 30, 2009 at 4:13 pm

I agree with your thoughts on abridgements! Even though it's a monster to read, it's worth it.

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