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The Count of Monte Cristo
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116 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2012
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About the author
Alexandre Dumas
8,393 books12.1k followersThis note regards Alexandre Dumas, père, the father of Alexandre Dumas, fils (son). For the son, see Alexandre Dumas fils.
Alexandre Dumas père, born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature whose historical novels and adventure tales earned global renown. Best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and other swashbuckling epics, Dumas crafted stories filled with daring heroes, dramatic twists, and vivid historical backdrops. His works, often serialized and immensely popular with the public, helped shape the modern adventure genre and remain enduring staples of world literature.
Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a celebrated general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of African descent in a European army at the time. His father’s early death left the family in poverty, but Dumas’s upbringing was nonetheless marked by strong personal ambition and a deep admiration for his father’s achievements. He moved to Paris as a young man and began his literary career writing for the theatre, quickly rising to prominence in the Romantic movement with successful plays like Henri III et sa cour and Antony.
In the 1840s, Dumas turned increasingly toward prose fiction, particularly serialized novels, which reached vast audiences through French newspapers. His collaboration with Auguste Maquet, a skilled plotter and historian, proved fruitful. While Maquet drafted outlines and conducted research, Dumas infused the narratives with flair, dialogue, and color. The result was a string of literary triumphs, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both published in 1844. These novels exemplified Dumas’s flair for suspenseful pacing, memorable characters, and grand themes of justice, loyalty, and revenge.
The D’Artagnan Romances—The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte of Bragelonne—cemented his fame. They follow the adventures of the titular Gascon hero and his comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, blending historical fact and fiction into richly imagined narratives. The Count of Monte Cristo offered a darker, more introspective tale of betrayal and retribution, with intricate plotting and a deeply philosophical core.
Dumas was also active in journalism and theater. He founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, which staged dramatizations of his own novels. A prolific and energetic writer, he is estimated to have written or co-written over 100,000 pages of fiction, plays, memoirs, travel books, and essays. He also had a strong interest in food and published a massive culinary encyclopedia, Le Grand Dictionnaire de cuisine, filled with recipes, anecdotes, and reflections on gastronomy.
Despite his enormous success, Dumas was frequently plagued by financial troubles. He led a lavish lifestyle, building the ornate Château de Monte-Cristo near Paris, employing large staffs, and supporting many friends and relatives. His generosity and appetite for life often outpaced his income, leading to mounting debts. Still, his creative drive rarely waned.
Dumas’s mixed-race background was a source of both pride and tension in his life. He was outspoken about his heritage and used his platform to address race and injustice. In his novel Georges, he explored issues of colonialism and identity through a Creole protagonist. Though he encountered racism, he refused to be silenced, famously replying to a racial insult by pointing to his ancestry and achievements with dignity and wit.
Later in life, Dumas continued writing and traveling, spending time in Belgium, Italy, and Russia. He supported nationalist causes, particularly Italian unification, and even founded a newspaper to advocate for Giuseppe Garibaldi. Though his popularity waned somewhat in his final years, his literary legacy grew steadily. He wrote in a style that was accessible, entertaining, and emotionally reso
Alexandre Dumas père, born Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, was a towering figure of 19th-century French literature whose historical novels and adventure tales earned global renown. Best known for The Three Musketeers, The Count of Monte Cristo, and other swashbuckling epics, Dumas crafted stories filled with daring heroes, dramatic twists, and vivid historical backdrops. His works, often serialized and immensely popular with the public, helped shape the modern adventure genre and remain enduring staples of world literature.
Dumas was the son of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a celebrated general in Revolutionary France and the highest-ranking man of African descent in a European army at the time. His father’s early death left the family in poverty, but Dumas’s upbringing was nonetheless marked by strong personal ambition and a deep admiration for his father’s achievements. He moved to Paris as a young man and began his literary career writing for the theatre, quickly rising to prominence in the Romantic movement with successful plays like Henri III et sa cour and Antony.
In the 1840s, Dumas turned increasingly toward prose fiction, particularly serialized novels, which reached vast audiences through French newspapers. His collaboration with Auguste Maquet, a skilled plotter and historian, proved fruitful. While Maquet drafted outlines and conducted research, Dumas infused the narratives with flair, dialogue, and color. The result was a string of literary triumphs, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, both published in 1844. These novels exemplified Dumas’s flair for suspenseful pacing, memorable characters, and grand themes of justice, loyalty, and revenge.
The D’Artagnan Romances—The Three Musketeers, Twenty Years After, and The Vicomte of Bragelonne—cemented his fame. They follow the adventures of the titular Gascon hero and his comrades Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, blending historical fact and fiction into richly imagined narratives. The Count of Monte Cristo offered a darker, more introspective tale of betrayal and retribution, with intricate plotting and a deeply philosophical core.
Dumas was also active in journalism and theater. He founded the Théâtre Historique in Paris, which staged dramatizations of his own novels. A prolific and energetic writer, he is estimated to have written or co-written over 100,000 pages of fiction, plays, memoirs, travel books, and essays. He also had a strong interest in food and published a massive culinary encyclopedia, Le Grand Dictionnaire de cuisine, filled with recipes, anecdotes, and reflections on gastronomy.
Despite his enormous success, Dumas was frequently plagued by financial troubles. He led a lavish lifestyle, building the ornate Château de Monte-Cristo near Paris, employing large staffs, and supporting many friends and relatives. His generosity and appetite for life often outpaced his income, leading to mounting debts. Still, his creative drive rarely waned.
Dumas’s mixed-race background was a source of both pride and tension in his life. He was outspoken about his heritage and used his platform to address race and injustice. In his novel Georges, he explored issues of colonialism and identity through a Creole protagonist. Though he encountered racism, he refused to be silenced, famously replying to a racial insult by pointing to his ancestry and achievements with dignity and wit.
Later in life, Dumas continued writing and traveling, spending time in Belgium, Italy, and Russia. He supported nationalist causes, particularly Italian unification, and even founded a newspaper to advocate for Giuseppe Garibaldi. Though his popularity waned somewhat in his final years, his literary legacy grew steadily. He wrote in a style that was accessible, entertaining, and emotionally reso
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 3, 2014
Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo is truly a piece of art. I read this novel for school requirement, but that did not diminish the amount of excitement I have about finishing this book. Between analyzing the plot twists, character traits, side stories, goods and evils, and at times the meaning of life, I can truly say that reading this novel has changed my own perspective. Though frustrated by choices many of the characters make, I looked forward to each new chapter and each new development. The writing is eloquent and smooth, and the plot is fast and ever-changing. As soon as you read of a character's history, relationships and decisions click in to place, and everything connects. As my reading came to a close, I found myself wanting more and becoming almost nostalgic when the ending related to the innocent beginning. I will definitely recommend this to others in the future and I'm glad I had the chance to read this novel.
September 6, 2016
I would give it 3.75 stars. I haven't read the entire unabridged novel, but I thought this did a good job of capturing the essence in only 100 pages!
March 7, 2012
The Count of Monte Cristo, taking place in Europe in Napoleonic times, was more than just a story of adventure, revenge, murder, and lust, but also a story of forgiveness.
Edmund Dantes' life was looking up, he was engaged and had a promising career when his life seemed to shatter. After being arrested for treason when a letter was found in his possession that was from the usurper, Dantes was questioned by the public prosecutor, Villfort. In order to save his father, Villfort declared Dantes guilty and was sent to the Chateu d'If, a prison on an island. At the Chateu d'If, Dantes learned everything he would ever need for his revenge from an old Priest. The Priest also shared with him a letter that told of buried treasure on the isle of Monte Cristo.
Dantes escaped and went to the isle of Monte Cristo, finding the treasure and the means to fund his revenge. He then would go on to travel all of Europe, constantly changing his name and appearance, meticulously and systematically taking revenge on almost all from his past life, who themselves had changed in order to escape their past lives. And in the end, when revenge was taken, when murder had been committed, when lust had been fulfilled, and when he thought that his only purpose was for God's revenge, he finally got to be happy with the one he came to love.
I liked the book, The Count of Monte Cristo, for its intriguing episodes, and their inconceivable outcomes. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary and learn some French words as well, plus it's a great story that is completely unpredictable. My favorite quote is at the very ending of the book, in the letter Dantes left he reflects on what he has done, "Until the day when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words,—‘Wait and hope.’” I felt like Dantes finally understood that he was still under God and not at the same level with him, making him uncertain about what he did and what life has in store. Dantes has no other choice but to "'Wait and hope.'"
Edmund Dantes' life was looking up, he was engaged and had a promising career when his life seemed to shatter. After being arrested for treason when a letter was found in his possession that was from the usurper, Dantes was questioned by the public prosecutor, Villfort. In order to save his father, Villfort declared Dantes guilty and was sent to the Chateu d'If, a prison on an island. At the Chateu d'If, Dantes learned everything he would ever need for his revenge from an old Priest. The Priest also shared with him a letter that told of buried treasure on the isle of Monte Cristo.
Dantes escaped and went to the isle of Monte Cristo, finding the treasure and the means to fund his revenge. He then would go on to travel all of Europe, constantly changing his name and appearance, meticulously and systematically taking revenge on almost all from his past life, who themselves had changed in order to escape their past lives. And in the end, when revenge was taken, when murder had been committed, when lust had been fulfilled, and when he thought that his only purpose was for God's revenge, he finally got to be happy with the one he came to love.
I liked the book, The Count of Monte Cristo, for its intriguing episodes, and their inconceivable outcomes. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary and learn some French words as well, plus it's a great story that is completely unpredictable. My favorite quote is at the very ending of the book, in the letter Dantes left he reflects on what he has done, "Until the day when God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words,—‘Wait and hope.’” I felt like Dantes finally understood that he was still under God and not at the same level with him, making him uncertain about what he did and what life has in store. Dantes has no other choice but to "'Wait and hope.'"
February 26, 2011
i feel like there is so much more to the story then what i've read but i'm thinking that someday i will be reading the 1000 version :p not today though ..
August 14, 2017
Target audience: The target audience of the book is the general public, although, due to the political elements present in the novel, Dumas might have targeted the French public in particular.
About the author: According to Wikipedia, Alexandre Dumas was a 19th-century French writer. His works have been translated into nearly 100 languages, and he is one of the most widely read French authors. Many of his historical novels of high adventure were originally published as serials. In addition to The Count of Monte-Cristo, he is also known for The Three Musketeers or The Knight of Sainte-Hermine. His novels have been adapted since the early twentieth century for nearly 200 films. Prolific in several genres, Dumas began his career by writing plays, which were successfully produced from the first. He also wrote numerous magazine articles and travel books; his published works totaled 100,000 pages.
Structure of the book: The book has a total of 117 chapters. This is why sometimes is in one piece, while other times you can find it split in a various number of volumes.
Overview / Plot summary (a few spoilers): Alexandre Dumas is one of my favorite French writers. He is one of the most widely read French authors for a reason. I loved all of his works including Georges, The Conspirators, and The Regent's Daughter. I am glad he escaped his life as a clerk. The world would be empty without his work. Few romantic authors could capture the world as it was the way he did. I would have loved to read some of his works in the original serial form as they were published in the newspaper.
If you have seen the movies, but did not read the book, I have to warn you that there are some differences. And, between the two movies and the book, I personally prefer the book. The action takes place in 19th-century France, shortly after the French Revolution and the exile of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Edmond Dantes is introduced as a clever, handsome, ambitious young man. He is living an almost perfect life: he is about to become a captain and marry his fiancée Mercedes. Unluckily for Dantes, during his final voyage he had to stop on the island of Elba – where Napoleon was exiled – in order to deliver a letter to General Bertrand. The year was 1815, when France was torn apart by the rivalries and fights between the Bonapartist and the royalist factions. Dantes was not interested in politics, but his act could have been easily interpreted by the royalists as a manifestation of his Bonapartist allegiance.
Dantes indeed ended up being convicted for treason. But this thing did not happen because he was believed to be a real Bonapartist, but because his alleged friends - Fernand Mondego and Dantès' colleague Danglars - were jealous on his job and his beautiful woman. This was a wonderful way for the author to enliven the plot. It was only after Dantes was imprisoned that the true plot of the story begins. Dantes was put into a dungeon where the rest of the word promptly forgets about him. This is the lowest point of Dantes’ life. Dumas here makes a wonderful job and the reader can truly feel the character’s pain. Dantes had everything lost it all – a feeling that I am sure many people (more or less) can relate to. This is for Dantes the journey where he rediscovers/reinvents himself and manages to reverse his poor fate. This theme of falling apart can be found in many stories as well, and for some reasons I associate it with Jesus’s descent in Hell after his death as a man, and his comeback on earth strengthened, changed, as a god.
Dantes is able to run away from the prison house years later, shrewder and tough-minded and ready to retaliate against the people who betrayed him. This is how Dantes becomes Dantes 2.0, or the Count of Monte-Cristo. And the Count of Monte-Cristo is in fact the mirror image of Dantes. Dantes was a loving, honest, poor family guy; on the contrary, the Count of Monte-Cristo is a rich, cunning, revengeful and isolated man.
The amazing part in this novel is the level of complexity and subtlety of Dantes’s plans. He spends multiple years putting his plans into action, integrating himself into the lives of all of his enemies, even bonding with their children. So, this novel is all about revenge. We as readers are aware from the beginning that revenge is bad business – it has the potential to overwhelm your being and give you nothing in return. But does revenge makes a person automatically bad, even if those punished are evil persons and deserved to be punished? So one question the authors make you wonder about is if Dantes will ever discover that it is better to have fun and enjoy his life rather than punish those around him. Paying back those who wronged regarding his person does not fix anything. He can never reclaim the time spent imprisoned. Moreover, Dantes also realizes that he cannot punish the evil without also hurting the innocent people around them.
Quote: Moral wounds have this peculiarity - they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart.
Strong points: The Count of Monte Cristo has many positive features. The parts of the novel I relished the most was the level complexity involved with Dantes’ schemes, and the manner in which Dumas used the proper pace to allow them to unfold. This is due to the fact that he is a serial writer, he had a reason to draw everything out in order to make them suspenseful. He does this perfectly. If you need a great novel to read for yourself, this is a great choice. It is rather hard to put down.
Weak points: First, if you watched the modern version of the movie, then the novel might seem a little too long. And second, Dumas treats Dantes as some kind of “avenging angel” who is able to punish evil. The Count of Monte Cristo, or Dantes 2.0, is a sort of god-like creature among the mortals. Yes, he treats people well when the good is in need, even when it does not help his plans for revenge. But can actions that could result in human beings annihilated, even if these people deserve it, really be the work of (a good) God?
_______________
★★★ Follow us on Goodreads
★★★ Visit our website www.reasonandreligion.org
About the author: According to Wikipedia, Alexandre Dumas was a 19th-century French writer. His works have been translated into nearly 100 languages, and he is one of the most widely read French authors. Many of his historical novels of high adventure were originally published as serials. In addition to The Count of Monte-Cristo, he is also known for The Three Musketeers or The Knight of Sainte-Hermine. His novels have been adapted since the early twentieth century for nearly 200 films. Prolific in several genres, Dumas began his career by writing plays, which were successfully produced from the first. He also wrote numerous magazine articles and travel books; his published works totaled 100,000 pages.
Structure of the book: The book has a total of 117 chapters. This is why sometimes is in one piece, while other times you can find it split in a various number of volumes.
Overview / Plot summary (a few spoilers): Alexandre Dumas is one of my favorite French writers. He is one of the most widely read French authors for a reason. I loved all of his works including Georges, The Conspirators, and The Regent's Daughter. I am glad he escaped his life as a clerk. The world would be empty without his work. Few romantic authors could capture the world as it was the way he did. I would have loved to read some of his works in the original serial form as they were published in the newspaper.
If you have seen the movies, but did not read the book, I have to warn you that there are some differences. And, between the two movies and the book, I personally prefer the book. The action takes place in 19th-century France, shortly after the French Revolution and the exile of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Edmond Dantes is introduced as a clever, handsome, ambitious young man. He is living an almost perfect life: he is about to become a captain and marry his fiancée Mercedes. Unluckily for Dantes, during his final voyage he had to stop on the island of Elba – where Napoleon was exiled – in order to deliver a letter to General Bertrand. The year was 1815, when France was torn apart by the rivalries and fights between the Bonapartist and the royalist factions. Dantes was not interested in politics, but his act could have been easily interpreted by the royalists as a manifestation of his Bonapartist allegiance.
Dantes indeed ended up being convicted for treason. But this thing did not happen because he was believed to be a real Bonapartist, but because his alleged friends - Fernand Mondego and Dantès' colleague Danglars - were jealous on his job and his beautiful woman. This was a wonderful way for the author to enliven the plot. It was only after Dantes was imprisoned that the true plot of the story begins. Dantes was put into a dungeon where the rest of the word promptly forgets about him. This is the lowest point of Dantes’ life. Dumas here makes a wonderful job and the reader can truly feel the character’s pain. Dantes had everything lost it all – a feeling that I am sure many people (more or less) can relate to. This is for Dantes the journey where he rediscovers/reinvents himself and manages to reverse his poor fate. This theme of falling apart can be found in many stories as well, and for some reasons I associate it with Jesus’s descent in Hell after his death as a man, and his comeback on earth strengthened, changed, as a god.
Dantes is able to run away from the prison house years later, shrewder and tough-minded and ready to retaliate against the people who betrayed him. This is how Dantes becomes Dantes 2.0, or the Count of Monte-Cristo. And the Count of Monte-Cristo is in fact the mirror image of Dantes. Dantes was a loving, honest, poor family guy; on the contrary, the Count of Monte-Cristo is a rich, cunning, revengeful and isolated man.
The amazing part in this novel is the level of complexity and subtlety of Dantes’s plans. He spends multiple years putting his plans into action, integrating himself into the lives of all of his enemies, even bonding with their children. So, this novel is all about revenge. We as readers are aware from the beginning that revenge is bad business – it has the potential to overwhelm your being and give you nothing in return. But does revenge makes a person automatically bad, even if those punished are evil persons and deserved to be punished? So one question the authors make you wonder about is if Dantes will ever discover that it is better to have fun and enjoy his life rather than punish those around him. Paying back those who wronged regarding his person does not fix anything. He can never reclaim the time spent imprisoned. Moreover, Dantes also realizes that he cannot punish the evil without also hurting the innocent people around them.
Quote: Moral wounds have this peculiarity - they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart.
Strong points: The Count of Monte Cristo has many positive features. The parts of the novel I relished the most was the level complexity involved with Dantes’ schemes, and the manner in which Dumas used the proper pace to allow them to unfold. This is due to the fact that he is a serial writer, he had a reason to draw everything out in order to make them suspenseful. He does this perfectly. If you need a great novel to read for yourself, this is a great choice. It is rather hard to put down.
Weak points: First, if you watched the modern version of the movie, then the novel might seem a little too long. And second, Dumas treats Dantes as some kind of “avenging angel” who is able to punish evil. The Count of Monte Cristo, or Dantes 2.0, is a sort of god-like creature among the mortals. Yes, he treats people well when the good is in need, even when it does not help his plans for revenge. But can actions that could result in human beings annihilated, even if these people deserve it, really be the work of (a good) God?
_______________
★★★ Follow us on Goodreads
★★★ Visit our website www.reasonandreligion.org
November 13, 2014
"The Count of Monte Cristo" is a political satire graphic novel. The story takes place in France during the Napoleonic Wars around the year 1815. The story follows a particular character named Edmond Dantes. When Edmond becomes the captain of a ship, three acquaintances of his become very jealous of his successes. One of the acquaintances, Fernand, wants to marry Edmond's fiance as well. The three create an elaborate plan to get Dantes arrested and out of their lives. They write a letter to a government official claiming Dantes is a supporter of Napoleon. Dantes is arrested on his wedding day and is imprisoned for 7 years. Dantes builds a great hatred towards the four that falsely imprisoned him and swears to get revenge on them. While in prison, Dantes meets Abbe Faria, a older prisoner in a nearby cell. Abbe Faria tells Dantes he can find a vast treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. One day, Dantes makes a plan to escape. When Abbe Faria dies, Dantes hides in his body bag and is thrown out to sea. Dantes is rescued by a passing ship. Coincidentally, the ship stops for repairs on the island of Monte Cristo. While on the island, Dantes searches for the treasure and manages to find it. With his new-found treasure, Dantes purchases the title of "Count" and renames himself "The Count of Monte Cristo". 'The Count' spends the rest of his life trying to get revenge on the four men that falsely imprisoned him.
I really liked the complex layers the story had. It was hard to tell if Dantes's intentions were 'good' or 'evil'. Dantes's intentions seem good when he states "I am the servant of providence, and it is my duty to deliver punishment to those who do wrong". The fact that Dantes wants to punish those who did wrong seems reasonable. However, the lengths and means to which he goes to in an effort to prove a point are extreme. After making this seemingly good statement, Dantes then says "If the hands of fate see it fit to snatch away the life of an innocent, then so be it!" Dantes willingness to sacrifice innocent people makes him not as righteous.
Edmond Dantes character reminded me of Light Yagami's character in the manga series "Death Note". In "Death Note", Light creates a new identity for himself, Kira, so he can kill criminals using the Death Note. This reminded me of Dantes because Dantes creates a new identity for himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. Maybe both Dantes and Light thought that having another identity wouldn't bring shame or dishonor upon their original names/beings.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories where a character goes to great lengths to see their enemies brought to justice.
I really liked the complex layers the story had. It was hard to tell if Dantes's intentions were 'good' or 'evil'. Dantes's intentions seem good when he states "I am the servant of providence, and it is my duty to deliver punishment to those who do wrong". The fact that Dantes wants to punish those who did wrong seems reasonable. However, the lengths and means to which he goes to in an effort to prove a point are extreme. After making this seemingly good statement, Dantes then says "If the hands of fate see it fit to snatch away the life of an innocent, then so be it!" Dantes willingness to sacrifice innocent people makes him not as righteous.
Edmond Dantes character reminded me of Light Yagami's character in the manga series "Death Note". In "Death Note", Light creates a new identity for himself, Kira, so he can kill criminals using the Death Note. This reminded me of Dantes because Dantes creates a new identity for himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. Maybe both Dantes and Light thought that having another identity wouldn't bring shame or dishonor upon their original names/beings.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories where a character goes to great lengths to see their enemies brought to justice.
November 24, 2016
Enchanting...masterful, and deeply moving.
The sure sign of a great master - of the arts - is that he can evoke powerful emotions through his illustration. Monseuir Dumas does so brilliantly in The Count of Monte Cristo. He paints most imaginative visions, and yet suspends disbelief. He tells... like the ancient storytellers who enraptured audiences through their refined narration.
Oh, how I crave to be an apprentice to this great artist!
The translation does have its flaws...some words, such as 'toilet,' appear ludicrously employed. Perhaps the usage of the times then. The linearity of the narration is noticeable, as is a penchant for the religious and the supernatural. Cultural aspects of the times, too, perhaps, or what readers appreciated then. A tendency to engage a reader solely in conversation gives way to lengthy reflection in latter parts of the work. Yet, from a master, these are but his distinction.
Bravo, M. Dumas!
The sure sign of a great master - of the arts - is that he can evoke powerful emotions through his illustration. Monseuir Dumas does so brilliantly in The Count of Monte Cristo. He paints most imaginative visions, and yet suspends disbelief. He tells... like the ancient storytellers who enraptured audiences through their refined narration.
Oh, how I crave to be an apprentice to this great artist!
The translation does have its flaws...some words, such as 'toilet,' appear ludicrously employed. Perhaps the usage of the times then. The linearity of the narration is noticeable, as is a penchant for the religious and the supernatural. Cultural aspects of the times, too, perhaps, or what readers appreciated then. A tendency to engage a reader solely in conversation gives way to lengthy reflection in latter parts of the work. Yet, from a master, these are but his distinction.
Bravo, M. Dumas!
January 11, 2015
Revenge is the sweetest thing. This book really exemplar that statement.
"There is neither happiness or misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of living. Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words...Wait and Hope"
"There is neither happiness or misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of living. Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget that until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words...Wait and Hope"
November 9, 2007
Everyone in the book group had a different version. The author was paid by the word and the work was serialized. If someone published the whole thing it would be way too long so each editor cuts it down to size, so each edition is unique.
December 22, 2012
Edmond Dantes I'm in love with you :) . nice one
one day i will read the big edition but, the one I read was awesome .
one day i will read the big edition but, the one I read was awesome .
August 30, 2013
One of my favorites.
March 31, 2016
Students be sure to follow the characters carefully. Understanding who's who helps you enjoy the book much more.
November 11, 2017
Amazing book. Couldn't put it down. I didn't want it to end.
September 8, 2022
One of the best books to read. A very exciting story.
July 28, 2023
Lyssnade på Biblio-versionen efter blandade omdömen i Boktokiga.
August 18, 2023
umagresia. Cota gawelilia mara mainc yvelaze ucnauri, saintereso da yvelaze magari dasasrulis mqone wignia (aba chiri iqa lxini aqa sad gagonila). Tavis janrshi sauketesoa
December 27, 2023
Tra i romanzi più belli che - a mio parere - siano mai stati scritti.
Dumas con fine capacità descrittiva racconta l'animo umano in tutte le sue forme: l'amore, la disperazione, la vendetta, il rimpianto, la cattiveria, la bontà.
Romanzo dall'impalcatura complessa in cui alla fine tutti i nodi vengono al pettine grazie alla magistrale precisione e acutezza del protagonista che agisce quasi come un Deus ex machina.
Dumas con fine capacità descrittiva racconta l'animo umano in tutte le sue forme: l'amore, la disperazione, la vendetta, il rimpianto, la cattiveria, la bontà.
Romanzo dall'impalcatura complessa in cui alla fine tutti i nodi vengono al pettine grazie alla magistrale precisione e acutezza del protagonista che agisce quasi come un Deus ex machina.
March 7, 2024
Easily the best classic so far in my "Notches on the belt books I feel that I must read series". My hierarchy at this point is as follows:
The count of monte cristo
Martin eden
Don quixote
The picture of dorian grey
The brothers karamizov
The count of monte cristo
Martin eden
Don quixote
The picture of dorian grey
The brothers karamizov
December 27, 2024
entretenido
Read
July 6, 2025Re-read. Still on of the best books I've ever read. The character depth, and story lines are truely practically unparalleled.
November 15, 2017
The Count of Monte Cristo was a book written by the French author Alexandre Dumas, in 1845. The Count of Monte Cristo was stationed around the character Edmund, and at the age of nineteen, Edmond Dantes seems to have the perfect life. He is about to become the captain of a ship, he is engaged to a beautiful and kind young woman, Mercedes, and he is well liked by almost everyone who knows him. This perfect life, however, stirs up dangerous jealousy among some of Dantes’s so-called friends. Danglars, the treasurer of Dantes’s ship, envies Dantes’s early career success; Fernand Mondego is in love with Dantes’s fiancee and so covets his amorous success; his neighbor Caderousse is simply envious that Dantès is so much luckier in life than he is. The three of them filled with jealousy create a letter accusing Dantes of treason. On the day of his wedding, Dantes is arrested for a crime he supposedly committed. He was taken to a jail, on a remote island, where he later met a man. This man crawled into his cell at one point, and was hoping to survive. Later on this man died, and Edmund was going to be thrown into the sea. After being chucked in the sea, he emerges as a new man, Monte Cristo. He develops as a character, and comes back for revenge. He became full of fury, and quickly secured his fortune. He then takes the title of Monte Cristo, and harms anyone who did him, or his father, wrong.
The authors purpose of the book was to take the reader on the adventure of Monte Cristo, and tell the story of the land. The author wrote The Count of Monte Cristo from a narrator's point of view, and classified the book as adventure fiction. He intended the book to be for the citizens who lived in the area where Monte Cristo became wealthy. He implied that the land was filled with grief, and wrongdoings. Therefore you could infer that Alexandre Dumas wrote The Count of Monte Cristo to prevent wrongdoings. His writing was very advanced for his time period, and the way he wrote the book was amazing. The beginning of his book was more informal and adventurous but towards the end, when Edmund became Monte Cristo, his writing became more formal and he was more straightforward. This book could be recommended for young adults, to those of a higher age category. This was an amazing book that would be worth reading if you’re traveling to France or Italy. I would also reccomend this book to those who have spare time, for it is a classic, and it is worth the read.
The theme of this book was forgiveness, power, and revenge. Monte Cristo got his revenge on anyone who hurt him and his father. Forgiveness was also a major theme. Fernando ended up forgiving Edmund for taking the girl of his dreams, and felt guilty when he thought he died. Towards the end of the book Edmund shows mercy to some that did him wrong. Another theme is power. Monte Cristo had acquired power when he obtained him money, and became rich.
I believe that other students my age would be interested in this story, because it shows a strong power struggle, and it’s a classic. Most teenagers read a book because of the cover, or a recommendation. The story is cohesive, and how the story flows makes sense. The narrator of the book had never taken side, though it was clear who the book was centered around. He went into more detail on Edmunds life, than the life of anyone else. It is possible to believe that the authors opinions were correct. Monte Cristo getting revenge was an important, and necessary element in this book. Even though Revenge was necessary, so was forgiveness. It can be believed that many young adults would enjoy reading reading this book, and might recommend it to others.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas was an extraordinary book. This remarkable book was about a captain, and his voyage through life. Edmund started as a captain of a ship, and the through random acts of jealousy from others, he ended up in jail. Edmund came back as Monte Cristo, to get his revenge, and to forgive those who deserved his forgiveness. When he was done he sailed off, back into the sea. Over the waves, and into the sunset.
The authors purpose of the book was to take the reader on the adventure of Monte Cristo, and tell the story of the land. The author wrote The Count of Monte Cristo from a narrator's point of view, and classified the book as adventure fiction. He intended the book to be for the citizens who lived in the area where Monte Cristo became wealthy. He implied that the land was filled with grief, and wrongdoings. Therefore you could infer that Alexandre Dumas wrote The Count of Monte Cristo to prevent wrongdoings. His writing was very advanced for his time period, and the way he wrote the book was amazing. The beginning of his book was more informal and adventurous but towards the end, when Edmund became Monte Cristo, his writing became more formal and he was more straightforward. This book could be recommended for young adults, to those of a higher age category. This was an amazing book that would be worth reading if you’re traveling to France or Italy. I would also reccomend this book to those who have spare time, for it is a classic, and it is worth the read.
The theme of this book was forgiveness, power, and revenge. Monte Cristo got his revenge on anyone who hurt him and his father. Forgiveness was also a major theme. Fernando ended up forgiving Edmund for taking the girl of his dreams, and felt guilty when he thought he died. Towards the end of the book Edmund shows mercy to some that did him wrong. Another theme is power. Monte Cristo had acquired power when he obtained him money, and became rich.
I believe that other students my age would be interested in this story, because it shows a strong power struggle, and it’s a classic. Most teenagers read a book because of the cover, or a recommendation. The story is cohesive, and how the story flows makes sense. The narrator of the book had never taken side, though it was clear who the book was centered around. He went into more detail on Edmunds life, than the life of anyone else. It is possible to believe that the authors opinions were correct. Monte Cristo getting revenge was an important, and necessary element in this book. Even though Revenge was necessary, so was forgiveness. It can be believed that many young adults would enjoy reading reading this book, and might recommend it to others.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas was an extraordinary book. This remarkable book was about a captain, and his voyage through life. Edmund started as a captain of a ship, and the through random acts of jealousy from others, he ended up in jail. Edmund came back as Monte Cristo, to get his revenge, and to forgive those who deserved his forgiveness. When he was done he sailed off, back into the sea. Over the waves, and into the sunset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2013
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas. French Literature. 562 pages. (1930 pages)
I have a fun history with this book that goes back to when I was a teenager, many years ago. I bought and read Classics Illustrated comic books for fifteen cents, and fell in love with this one by Alexander Dumas.
This is a powerful story about love, love lost, despair, hope, and revenge. Edmond Dantes is a healthy, nineteen year old sailor with his whole life ahead of him. He is about to be promoted to Captain of The Phaeron; his fortune is made; he will be married in a day to Mercedes, the love of his life. But, like Odysseus, the gods find ways to laugh at our plans. Danglars, the pursuer on the ship, is jealous of Dantes, wanting the captaincy for himself. He conspires with Fernand, a low life who wants Mercedes all for himself. And Villefort plays an ugly role as well. When he finds out that Dantes was asked to deliver a letter to a known Bonapartist that implicates his father, these three conspire to implicate the naïve Dantes, have him arrested as a radical Bonapartist, and buried in a prison, the Chateau D’ If.
For fourteen years, Dante is buried alive in a prison, a political prisoner. He is fortunate to meet he wise Abbe Fereira, another prisoner who cries out, “Who speaks of God and despair at the same time?” This beautiful language endears the book to me, and recalls how beautifully the Classic Illustrated graphic novel I read 45 years ago mirrors and condenses the essence of the original masterpiece.
Before the abbey dies, he tells Dantes about the source of an incredible fortune. Escaping the prison, Edmond finds the fortune, and spends ten years preparing to get revenge on the three who literally stole his promising life.
It is fun to read about a man with limitless wealth who can make money work to buy power, deceive, and generally, wreak high-class havoc at will. In the end, he destroys all his original enemies, with a few more thrown in for good measure. This is a timeless class by a master storyteller. Hollywood could not pass this up, and has made numerous versions. But only one that can reveal the darker side of mankind would suffice to capture the essence of this horribly beautiful tale of bittersweet revenge. This books has such strong roots for me that I gave it a ***** Five star rating. Remember: “Hope and wait.”
I have a fun history with this book that goes back to when I was a teenager, many years ago. I bought and read Classics Illustrated comic books for fifteen cents, and fell in love with this one by Alexander Dumas.
This is a powerful story about love, love lost, despair, hope, and revenge. Edmond Dantes is a healthy, nineteen year old sailor with his whole life ahead of him. He is about to be promoted to Captain of The Phaeron; his fortune is made; he will be married in a day to Mercedes, the love of his life. But, like Odysseus, the gods find ways to laugh at our plans. Danglars, the pursuer on the ship, is jealous of Dantes, wanting the captaincy for himself. He conspires with Fernand, a low life who wants Mercedes all for himself. And Villefort plays an ugly role as well. When he finds out that Dantes was asked to deliver a letter to a known Bonapartist that implicates his father, these three conspire to implicate the naïve Dantes, have him arrested as a radical Bonapartist, and buried in a prison, the Chateau D’ If.
For fourteen years, Dante is buried alive in a prison, a political prisoner. He is fortunate to meet he wise Abbe Fereira, another prisoner who cries out, “Who speaks of God and despair at the same time?” This beautiful language endears the book to me, and recalls how beautifully the Classic Illustrated graphic novel I read 45 years ago mirrors and condenses the essence of the original masterpiece.
Before the abbey dies, he tells Dantes about the source of an incredible fortune. Escaping the prison, Edmond finds the fortune, and spends ten years preparing to get revenge on the three who literally stole his promising life.
It is fun to read about a man with limitless wealth who can make money work to buy power, deceive, and generally, wreak high-class havoc at will. In the end, he destroys all his original enemies, with a few more thrown in for good measure. This is a timeless class by a master storyteller. Hollywood could not pass this up, and has made numerous versions. But only one that can reveal the darker side of mankind would suffice to capture the essence of this horribly beautiful tale of bittersweet revenge. This books has such strong roots for me that I gave it a ***** Five star rating. Remember: “Hope and wait.”
December 19, 2012
The Count of Monte Cristo:
Summary
Edmond Dantes is a great man who is promoted to a captain of a great ship and has great raw talent. He has friends who aren’t as loyal to him, as he is to them. This “friendship” quickly turns on Edmond and he finds himself in the most gruesome prison there is in France. He meets a man through the cell next to him and ended up escaping that horrible prison. Now, Edmond plotted his revenge and found the treasure of Monte Cristo. He eventually got back at his “friends” in the end, which made this a great novel.
Commentary
To me, the best part of the novel was when Edmond escaped the prison. It was perfectly described and I could feel like I was literally in Edmond’s shoes at the moment.
Some of my favorite parts:
Pg. 61: “Dantes could do nothing except clasp his hands and cry out, ‘Oh, my friend! My friend!’” (I liked this part because even when Edmond was in prison, he cared about his friends so much, which supports the fact that Edmond is a very good person and has a good personality.)
Pg. 413: “The count was heavy-hearted as he left Mercedes, in all probability never to see her again. (This part to me was sad because in the beginning, Edmond was crazy in love with her but then was taken away to the prison for a very long time, and to see her again. That would be very hard for anybody to go through.)
I think the author could have improved the novel by shortening up some of the sections. It was kind of overwhelming to look through the book and to see huge paragraphs in very tiny print.
Comparison
I can compare this book to many other Alcatraz books about escapes because it seemed that people who went to Alcatraz were the worst and tried to escape, but in The Count of Monte Cristo, not only did Edmond escape, later he found treasure!
Tags: Mystery, Escape, Betrayal, Revenge
In Conclusion: I highly recommend this book!
Summary
Edmond Dantes is a great man who is promoted to a captain of a great ship and has great raw talent. He has friends who aren’t as loyal to him, as he is to them. This “friendship” quickly turns on Edmond and he finds himself in the most gruesome prison there is in France. He meets a man through the cell next to him and ended up escaping that horrible prison. Now, Edmond plotted his revenge and found the treasure of Monte Cristo. He eventually got back at his “friends” in the end, which made this a great novel.
Commentary
To me, the best part of the novel was when Edmond escaped the prison. It was perfectly described and I could feel like I was literally in Edmond’s shoes at the moment.
Some of my favorite parts:
Pg. 61: “Dantes could do nothing except clasp his hands and cry out, ‘Oh, my friend! My friend!’” (I liked this part because even when Edmond was in prison, he cared about his friends so much, which supports the fact that Edmond is a very good person and has a good personality.)
Pg. 413: “The count was heavy-hearted as he left Mercedes, in all probability never to see her again. (This part to me was sad because in the beginning, Edmond was crazy in love with her but then was taken away to the prison for a very long time, and to see her again. That would be very hard for anybody to go through.)
I think the author could have improved the novel by shortening up some of the sections. It was kind of overwhelming to look through the book and to see huge paragraphs in very tiny print.
Comparison
I can compare this book to many other Alcatraz books about escapes because it seemed that people who went to Alcatraz were the worst and tried to escape, but in The Count of Monte Cristo, not only did Edmond escape, later he found treasure!
Tags: Mystery, Escape, Betrayal, Revenge
In Conclusion: I highly recommend this book!
May 26, 2013
This book is about a man named Edmund Dantes who is a sailor with a girl he is ready to marry and a good friend who betrayes him and gets him put in jail for something he didnt do.As Edmund gets thrown into jail he meets a man who is thee cell over and digs his way to Edmunds cell. As he gets to know this men and is planning his escape the man gives him a map of an island called Monte Cristo which holds a treasure on it. As theykeep digging tradgedy hapens when thetunnel cave on the man and the tunnels will not work, but Edmund thinks quickly and trad placs wth the dead man. This is how he escapes.
Once edmund is a free man again he goes to the island and finds he treasure, ths is how he becomes a very wealthy man and becomes the Count if Monte Cristo. As he starts to look for his once fiance he figures out she is with his friend and has a chld, but what the man and the child dont know is that this is Edmunds son. As Edmund meets up with his fiance she begins to fall in love with him again and explains why she rushed off to marry his friend cause of her pregnancy,but as tim passes the friend becomes know of the return of Edmund and starts to get angry as at the end edmund and hisfriend dual to the death and then Edmund expalins he is his real father
Once edmund is a free man again he goes to the island and finds he treasure, ths is how he becomes a very wealthy man and becomes the Count if Monte Cristo. As he starts to look for his once fiance he figures out she is with his friend and has a chld, but what the man and the child dont know is that this is Edmunds son. As Edmund meets up with his fiance she begins to fall in love with him again and explains why she rushed off to marry his friend cause of her pregnancy,but as tim passes the friend becomes know of the return of Edmund and starts to get angry as at the end edmund and hisfriend dual to the death and then Edmund expalins he is his real father
April 28, 2013
Kaksi tähteä ansaitsee mielestäni tämä sarjakuvaromaaniversio suosikkitarinastani Monte Criston kreivistä. Kirjassa on kaunis väritys, mutta ihmiset on piirretty niin, että heidän piirteensä muuttuvat kuvasta kuvaan ja hahmojen perässä on vaikea pysyä sen takia. Yhdessä kuvassa nainen on nuori ja kaunis ja seuraavassa hän näyttää ryppyiseltä haahkalta. Joissain kuvissa henkilöhahmojen piirrostyyli tosin oli herkullista, mutta tämä vaihtelevuus kyllä tökki heti alusta lähtien. Monipolvisen tarinan kerronta ei myöskään ollut aivan saumatonta ja usein piti palata tarinassa taaksepäin, että pysyi kärryillä. Joskus jotkut asiat olivat "itsestäänselviä" kuten kapteeni Jacopon uskollisuus Dantesin ystävänä/palvelijana. Vähän kyllä ihmetytti.
Sarjakuvaromaani on varmaan tarkoitettu koululaisille luettavaksi ja se sisältääkin tarinaa avaavia ja tukevia faktoja kuten myös ihan asiasta kolmanteen "kiinnostavia" juttuja vankilapaoista. Hieman kyllä muutenkin logiikka petti tässä mutta ehkäpä koululaiset eivät tunne tarinaa eivätkä osaa kyseenalaistaa asioita lukiessaan. Ei nyt aivan kolahtanut tämä.
Sarjakuvaromaani on varmaan tarkoitettu koululaisille luettavaksi ja se sisältääkin tarinaa avaavia ja tukevia faktoja kuten myös ihan asiasta kolmanteen "kiinnostavia" juttuja vankilapaoista. Hieman kyllä muutenkin logiikka petti tässä mutta ehkäpä koululaiset eivät tunne tarinaa eivätkä osaa kyseenalaistaa asioita lukiessaan. Ei nyt aivan kolahtanut tämä.
September 20, 2013
Now this is a long story! I did find it interesting speculating how the story would have been different if written today. The Count would have just rediscovered his true love, Mercedes, and she would have gotten a divorce and they would have lived happily ever after. But this time period would never have done that. Mercedes was married and that was the end of that. She had to moan and groan about how she should have supported her husband and the Count feels justified to punish her for disloyalty even though she was tricked as much as he was. I didn't like that about the story. And, of course, Mercedes is old and haggard from the guilt and shame but the Count is handsome and goes off to marry the girl young enough to be his daughter. Phewy!
February 25, 2011
Difficult decision between giving this book three stars or four stars. Ideally, would have likes to give it three and a half.
The book boasts of an extravagant plot, and I loved the journey as The Count exacts terrible vengeance upon his enemies,and makes it all look so stylish and easy.
Granted, things fall in place for him way too easily, but I am willing to overlook that point. Also, some of the characters are overly dramatic and the ladies faint at the drop of a hat, but these seem to be characteristics of romance literature in general, so that's alright.
It's a long book, yes, but it is rewarding, and the language is nice, albeit very dated (Duh!!)
The book boasts of an extravagant plot, and I loved the journey as The Count exacts terrible vengeance upon his enemies,and makes it all look so stylish and easy.
Granted, things fall in place for him way too easily, but I am willing to overlook that point. Also, some of the characters are overly dramatic and the ladies faint at the drop of a hat, but these seem to be characteristics of romance literature in general, so that's alright.
It's a long book, yes, but it is rewarding, and the language is nice, albeit very dated (Duh!!)
December 30, 2021
"Everyone is of some importance to somebody else. You say that you were about to be made captain of the Pharaon, and were to be married to a young lovely girl. Could anyone have wanted to stop these two things from happening? Did anyone wish you not to become the captain of the Pharaon?"
- Abbe Faria, pg. 31
Untuk versi re-telling (menceritakan kembali secara singkat) aja udah cukup bikin aku engage sebegitunya dengan ceritanya, apalagi eksemplar aslinya.
Karya klasik ini merangkum kisah pengkhianatan, kemanusiaan, dan tentunya permainan balas dendam Edmond Dantes yang sangat runut, beringas, namun elegan.
Review yg lebih lengkap bakal aku buat setelah aku baca novel aslinya
- Abbe Faria, pg. 31
Untuk versi re-telling (menceritakan kembali secara singkat) aja udah cukup bikin aku engage sebegitunya dengan ceritanya, apalagi eksemplar aslinya.
Karya klasik ini merangkum kisah pengkhianatan, kemanusiaan, dan tentunya permainan balas dendam Edmond Dantes yang sangat runut, beringas, namun elegan.
Review yg lebih lengkap bakal aku buat setelah aku baca novel aslinya
November 4, 2013
Wonderful book about the trials and triumphs of Edmond Dantes. While the tragic Dantes ultimately seeks revenge on those responsible for his suffering, after coming in contact with the gentle Abbe Faria he is willing to be merciful if they repent of their deeds. The ending is bitter sweet and shows that revenge always ends up hurting more than the intended victims.
A long read at 117 chapters but it does not really lag in any particular area and does a good job at keeping the readers attention.
I highly recommend The Count of Monte Cristo.
A long read at 117 chapters but it does not really lag in any particular area and does a good job at keeping the readers attention.
I highly recommend The Count of Monte Cristo.
June 1, 2014
I got interested in this book though the movie. I always like to know the original story. Although I loved the movie, the book of course goes into more depth. My son bought this for me, & although it was an abridged version it has 591 pages plus a comments & questions section. I would highly recommend reading it in this longer form. My son looked for the unabridged,but could not find it at the bookstore. but it appears some on this sight have read it & that it comes in several volumes. I like that the story has a lesson. So often our stories today do not.
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