The Count Of Monte Cristo By Alexandre Dumas Book Review
Released: 1864
Genre: Thriller, Political, Adventure
Number of Pages: 691
The Count Of Monte Cristo is a longstanding blueprint for drama, deceit and personal tension. It takes real world events in Napoleonic Europe and weaves a very engaging tale.
In the early 19th Century, the young Edmond Dantes loses everything when he is accused of treason for aiding Napoleon’s return from the Isle of Elba. His wife-to-be, wealth and liberty are ripped away from him and he is sentenced to life imprisonment at the infamous Château d'If. After years behind bars, he vows revenge on those who wronged him and after a cunning escape, he locates an elusive treasure and rebuilds his life. It’s the original formula for a revenge thriller and across more than sixty chapters, we bear witness to the protagonist’s resurrection.
Heavy on dialogue and character interactions, the book is at its most engaging in the first and final acts. While in prison, Edmond befriends the aging Abbé Faria and the philosophical discussions will pull you in while crafting a great build-up to Edmond’s escape. He adopts a new persona shortly thereafter, showing honour and respect to his friends and ruthless efficiency to those he pursues. The closing chapters are incredibly satisfying with many big payoffs. At the same time, there’s a meaningful sense of reflection as the Count reunites with those he once held dear.
When the Count makes his return to Europe after a fourteen year absence, the plot slows down quite a bit as he mingles with various families and people of interest. Before the protagonist’s scheme comes to fruition, things feel quite descriptive and lack momentum. His prime targets are the ship cargoman Danglars, Fernand, the cousin to his former fiancé and Villefort, a corrupt crown prosecutor. Dumas dedicates many chapters to their perspectives, allowing the reader to feel their growing anxiety. The longer time-scale allows the characters to change in wealth, stature and attitude and this is the most detailed part of the novel.
Recommended?
YES: It may have a slight dip in the second act, but The Count Of Monte Cristo remains a classic for good reason. The main plot of one scorned man and his quest for revenge is meticulously written and paced and the characters are richly detailed. Any fan of historical thrillers will be very satisfied.
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