The Count of Monte Cristo

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Summary: Adventure: a hypnotic tale of romance and revenge
Review: Unfortunately, I was never required to read "The Count of Monte Cristo" in high school, as seems to be common in the U.S.

Fortunately, my little sister, when required by her senior-year teacher to read the book, enticed me to take on the Dumas classic.

Immediately I was transported to the Napoleonic era with Europe trembling and turbulent - tense with an anxiety that gives the novel an additional underlying suspense.

The story is that of Edmond Dantes, a man whose life was flipped on its head when streets of gold became hot coals and everything he held dear was stripped from him. Accused of treason, he is betrayed by those close. Vivid characters riddle the book with personality and it's suspense and language kept me up 'til my alarm clock rang for work the next morning - I didn't want to leave the world that was made such a comfortable home for me, the world of The Count of Monte Cristo.

Truly this book proves that it is not the destination, but rather the journey that makes all worth while.

It is pure adventure, a hypnotic and tantalizing tale of romance and revenge and the transformation of a man.

Don't settle for the movie, as the book is worth every second spent reading. My only regret is having read the abridged version.

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Summary: Pure Story
Review: First off, if your copy of The Count of Monte Cristo is only 350 pages long, throw it out and get this one. As far as I can tell this is the only unabridged translation currently available in the U.S., and the others abridge, oh, 75% of the book. I think that's usually called Cliff Notes.

This 800 pound, 1100 page gorilla is a marvel of perpetual storytelling, a spellbinding page-turner despite its length, a plot so complicated one senses even the author had only a tenuous grasp upon it, and Dumas' prose style, the elegance of which might charitably be compared to King or Lovecraft.

Doesn't matter -- 150 years on the culture's archetypal revenge drama still kicks like nobody's business. The initial betrayal of Edouard Dantes, his politically expedient persecution at the hands of an unscrupulous prosecutor, and his imprisonment in and escape from the Chateau D'If are the bits we recall from a dozen films, rip-offs, cartoons. But that's just the first 300 pages.

Then comes the dazzling if at first puzzling stop-off for Carnival in Rome, where Dumas puts his predilication for stories within stories to spectacular use, and then Paris, where the bulk of the novel turns on The Count of Monte Cristo's mind-bogglingly complex plot to avenge himself against the four principals of his ruin.

Does the plot hinge on one unlikely coincidence after another? Does the writing turn ludicrously purple? Can anyone, including Dumas, keep track of all these characters?

Again, it just doesn't matter. This locomotive of pure story won't be denied. The pages fly by, leading to a conclusion of suprising power. The Count of Monte Cristo is considered to be one of the first "popular" novels ever written -- it remains one of the best. If only our current popular novelists could work such magic.

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Summary: This translation is the only way to go
Review: This translation of Dumas' "Le Comte de Monte Cristo" is the first new translation in over 150 years and is the only unabridged version currently available in paperback. It would be a shame to read the abridged versions because they in themselves are usually half, if not even half, the length of Buss' translation. If you are going to read this classic novel you may as well read the true version. You will not be dissapointed as this is one of the classic novels of all time. The true brilance of the novel is how all the strands of the story tie together towards the end of the book. While, Dumas is dismissed by many as a writer whose only goal was profit, it does not mean that he was not extremely talented in his profession. I again reiterate if you are going to read the book, you should read the true version, not one of the abridged versions.

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Summary: Human Nature in a Compelling Narrative
Review: Compelling Description of Human Nature and Motive

There is really no way to accurately review The Count of Monte Cristo. A simple review of its plot would be unfair to the genius of Dumas and to the profound insights into human nature and motivation that this book contains. Likewise, to approach this book merely for its psychological and anthropological value would be to ignore the imaginative flights of fancy and vistas for the mind's eye that this tome affords. Similarly, to approach The Count of Monte Cristo merely as a fable or a fairy tale is to forget that it is an accurate historical novel portraying the Franco-European mindset, as well as a crystal-clear exposition of the many social issues, conventions, and commonly-held fancies that characterized France throughout the post-Napoleonic era. However, for purely literary purposes, and due to constraints of space and time, a brief sketch of Dumas' masterpiece will have to suffice. Ideally, however, you will stop reading right here and get your hands on the book, thus skirting my woefully inadequate attempt to review this masterpiece fairly and coherently.

Dumas' narrative follows the story of a virtuous young man struggling to come of age and find his place. However, in the classic battle of good versus evil, he is imprisoned unfairly and robbed of all that was dear to him. Eventually, he comes into great wealth and knowledge, escapes from captivity, and single-mindedly sets about to be the instrument of Divine vengeance on those who had previously denied him life and love. Along the way, he re-learns the value of friendship, and, having seen justice brought upon his enemies, finds unexpected love in an ending that is a triumphant, crescendoing testimony to the indomitable quality of the human spirit - and the mercy of God.

Throughout this tale, Dumas teaches us of forgiveness, of love, of anger and hate, and reaches out to the reader with an intensity that can only come from a spirit that itself drank deeply of such emotions. Indeed, the story of Edmond Dantes - from the lowly but principled pauper to the rash, vengeful yet popular prince - smacks at times of Dumas' own rise from obscurity as an unknown mulatto to the powerful and respected literary force that he became.

Granted, there are times when Dumas' heroes - like all heroes - take on superhuman qualities. However, they are not the indestructible supermen that mar much of today's literature. Instead, they are all too human - flawed sufficiently that their exploits are believable, and human enough that the reader often finds himself dialoguing with them, arguing for or against their intents and actions. In this way, it is the enduring human quality of the book - the ability for us to reach out across the better part of two centuries and dialogue freely and coherently with them, and to recognize the players and actors as fellow humans above all else - that makes it so compelling. Likewise, it is that essence of humanness that stands as the greatest tribute to Dumas.

An insightful, powerful, fast-paced, and moving read, The Count of Monte Cristo is one of those books that does not end when the last page is turned and the book closed. Its imaginative power transcends the written page with timeless force, calling us to a greater, more vivid plane of existence and self-expression.

Now get the book!

- Benjamin Gene Gardner

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Summary: A classic adventure -- one of the greatest books of all time
Review: I must admit, I first picked up The Count of Monte Cristo about ten years ago because I liked the cover art (a different edition than this one). Within five minutes of reading it, I was hooked. The next 1,000 pages simply flew by and I literally could not put the book down. For someone who's never read it before, it's an enthralling tale of treachery, despair, hope, and ultimately a quest for vengeance. After finishing "The Count", I immediately sought out every book by Dumas I could get my hands on (The Three Musketeers, Ten Years After, and The Man in the Iron Mask). They were all exceptional reads, but none of them matched the brilliance of "The Count ."

Any reader who enjoys tales of adventure and has a taste for historical novels will love this book. I thought the recent movie version was excellent too, but I highly recommend reading the book first.

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Summary: Wait and Hope......
Review: For Edmond Dantes, these words kept him alive in the nearly 2 decades of imprisonment at the Chateau D'If. Unjustly placed there upon return to the port of Marseilles; made scapegoat for a Bonapartist action which he had no involvement with, Dantes is torn from his life as sailor, fiance, and son, and tossed into the darkness of solitary confinement, left to rot; untried, unexplained, and forgotten.

Many years later, hope comes in the form of an ailing prisoner trying to tunnel his way out. He confides his greatest secret, the hiding place of an immense fortune, to Dantes before he dies. Seeing this as his only chance at freedom, Dantes assumes the place of the corpse, is removed from the prison for 'burial', and escapes.

Thus begins his revenge. After collecting the very real wealth in the cavern on Monte Cristo, he assumes the title of Count, and exacts his vengeance on those who stole his life.

The Count; benefactor, patron, and friend of the elite, insinuates himself into the lives of those who deprived him of all he loved, and authors their downfalls. All the while rewarding the good and just, he prepares punishment for those who are deserving.

The book is entertaining from start to finish and was well worth the read. The Count's revenge is deserved, and well doled out, as he allows all to destroy themselves with their wrongdoing, simply supplying them the means. The ending is not so grand scale as to be Hollywood-esque in scope, but satisfying nonetheless. Dantes realizes that in following his path of revenge he has simply placed himself in another 'prison,' that of hatred, and he tempers his actions with deeds of generosity and gratitude, perhaps as a measure of atonement. But no matter what ills befall those who betrayed him, you constantly root for Dantes to emerge triumphant.

The more classic literature I read, such as Count of Monte Cristo, the easier it is to see why good literature survives the test of time.

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Summary: One of the greatest books of all time
Review: I read this book several years before the movie came out but before I go to my review, i suggest you see the movie as well as read the book. The movie is nothing like the book but it keeps the same basic storyline and point. I'm talking about the new movie on it. I believe there are several.

anyway, I love to listen to music but I also love to read. I have loved reading since I can remember and in all that time I have NEVER read a book as good as this one. This is the all time best book ever written.

Most books written a long time ago, are slow placed and full of hard to read words but not this book. This book is written pretty modern despite it's time period. It was ahead of it's time, believe me. This book has action and romance and blends it in with a super awesome storyline like no other book ever. The characters are memorable and the bad guys are really bad. It's full of deception and betrayel and, above all else, REVENGE. Revenge seems awful to some but reading this book makes you think about all the good you can do with it.

It's a very long book but you never get tired of reading it. It's very fast pace and once you start it you won't be able to put it down!

I highly suggest getting this book no matter what kind of novels your into. Music has a greatest masterpiece(Pantera's Far Beyond Driven) and so does reading: The Count of Monte Cristo!

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Summary: A Classic
Review: Despite what I gave this book it is a classic.The reason why I gave this book was because it was really confusing,although I did get the main plot,for this is one of those books that has ten plots with a hundred different characters.Then on top of that it is really long it took me about a year to finish this book because its so long.Its one of those books that you know the author could've made a 1/4 the size that it actually is,so your just like "OHH My GOD!get it over with.
But since it is a classic it has many good points.Such as Dumas has ingeniously invented a highly original plot that I have never heard of in another book.Then the main idea, and almost the only one on Dantes mind,Revenge make you all the more aching thoughtout the book to just figure out what twisted turn is next to come.Then out of no where the only thing that could stop Dantes's revenge,the only thing that he took no precaution against,does.All the surprises make this book one of the best I've ever read.

Despite its lake of parismony and brevity I would recomend it to anyone who likes the plot of revenge,hatred,and love.It in all probabilty rates my top 1 or 2 book ever and I doubt I shall find anyone I like or enjoyed more.So read it,I promised you won't be disappointed and it will be in your top books.

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Summary: Outstanding example of fine writing.
Review: For those who don't know the plot of this story, it is a story of revenge for injustices. (I'll let you read the dozens of other reviews to get the plot in case you don't know it.) What this book brings to the table is dozens of intricately interwoven subplots that all come together and make for the most satisfying read I've ever had the pleasure to consume. If you're afraid of reading a classic or have been told you HAVE TO READ this book, take heart. You will find this intriguing, provocative and without a doubt the best written book I have ever had the pleasure to read. Dumas is a master of weaving many stories that all come together as a whole. I'm one of those people who believes most things that need to be graded/judged/rated are rarely at the end of the scales (superlative or horrible). This book is an unqualified 5 stars.

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Summary: Probably the best book I've ever read!
Review: This is such an awesome book with quite an extraordinary plot. It's rare that I've read books this long--even for my classes in school. There's so much drama, so much suspense, so much awe, mystery and sophistication in detail that makes this book a true masterpiece, indeed! I couldn't put the book down and finished it all in a few days.

I really don't want to ruin the plot for anyone, so i'm not going to go into any details. It's just amazing how a character can be at a new climax in life, fall to great depths, and then rise again.

There will always be parts of the book where you might say or think things should have been different. But that's what happens when you watch almost any drama movie, for sometimes we don't want any sadness directed towards characters we grow to love. But sometimes that makes you appreciate the plot even more.

Believe me, you really will love some of the characters in this book. Just give it a chance.

I have to admit that I read the ... edition of this book, and I'm not sure if it is a different translator or if it is abridged to a different degree. I looked up the translator, but the book didn't say, and it's not for sale here on Amazon[.com], which is why I'm reviewing this book.

Sometimes it's hard to pick out the right edition for a translated book. But I've asked so many people about this book, and all that I've known to read it have unanimously praised it. I don't think you can go wrong, but make sure you do the research before picking one specific book.

And finally, I'd say don't pick a book with an ugly picture of the Count on the front. He's supposed to be a relatively good-looking guy, and an ugly picture on the cover can psychologically influence a partial opinion towards him contrary to the descriptions of the text. ;)