Something Old, Something New discussion

Here is the thread to discuss all things regarding this book.

Please be aware that there could be spoilers!

Enjoy!

Looking forward to embarking on this adventure again!

I'm a bit daunted by this book. Over 1200 pages!! It makes my head ache just thinking about it but I'll certainly give it a good go :-)

I have found my nook a huge savior with the longer books. I read this one, Les Miserables, and War and Peace all on my Nook and found the pages were not so overwhelming (not to mention the lack of stress on my wrists while reading them).

This one is also a great story. It'll be fun to break it up and discuss it in smaller batches.

This might sound like sour grapes because my nominated book didn't win but seriously I couldn't read this book 20 odd years ago for English Lit at uni and I don't think I can face it now. For those of you reading it enjoy!!!

Elaine wrote: "This might sound like sour grapes because my nominated book didn't win but seriously I couldn't read this book 20 odd years ago for English Lit at uni and I don't think I can face it now. For those..."

Haha Elaine. I haven't attempted to read it before so I'm going in with an open mind.
I hope you still attempt A Game of Thrones soon as I'm sure you'll really enjoy it :-)

Optional Discussion Questions:

1. The central issue in The Count of Monte Cristo is the question of revenge. In the case of this book, is Dantes' quest for vengeance morally just? Can vengeance ever stand in for justice?

2. Discuss Villefort's decision to imprison Dantes. He believes Dantes has been unfairly accused, but at the same time he fears for his own father's life.

3. Talk about the role that the Abbe Faria plays in Dante's development. Why does Dantes consider him a second father?

4. Why does Dantes treat Caderrouse more lightly than he does Danglars and Mondego?

5 What truths do Julie and Emmanuel reveal to Dantes? What does he learn from them?

6. As he takes his leave from Maximillian, Dantes claims that "there is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more.” What does that statement mean—in the context of the story and in real life—and how does it reverberate throughout the novel?

7. Talk about Dantes' profound alienation when he escapes from prison and his gradual movement back into reconciliation with humanity. How does that development take place: what and the plot benchmarks who are characters who help him regain his humanity.

Michelle wrote: "Elaine wrote: "This might sound like sour grapes because my nominated book didn't win but seriously I couldn't read this book 20 odd years ago for English Lit at uni and I don't think I can face it..."

I really do want to get to A Game of Thrones, Michelle but it has to be when I have a bit of free space from all these challenges!!! I may need to keep nominating it for these chunkster reads until it's actually voted in. My mission at the moment is to read the two Gabaldon books I have before her new one comes out in June. In between all the other books I have to read. Sometimes it's just too hard.