The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics)

Firstly, a quick note on this edition: having started an old, archaic and atrocious translation to begin with, I can heartily recommend the crystal prose of Robin Buss's translation for Penguin Classics... The difference was startling, and it made it an absolute joy to read where it could so easily have become a chore! Now, this is going to be a tricky one to review. What to say about a book so well loved, so widely read, so generally revered? Well, let's start with the basics, the bits most people already know. The novel opens with young Edmond Dantes, on the verge of becoming captain of his merchant ship and husband of the beautiful Mercedes, being betrayed by his jealous friends and thrown into jail for his alleged support of Napoleon. During his fourteen years in the terrifying Chateau d'If, he meets a 'mad' old abbe, who introduces him to the world of learning and tells him about a secret treasure that he wishes Edmond to have should he ever escape. Well, escape he does, and is reborn as the Count of Monte Cristo, using his incredible wealth, power and intelligence to bring justice down on the heads of the three men who condemned him to the dungeons. This book is so many things: it is epic, complex and exciting; it is heartbreaking, sorrowful and romantic. It touches on the heights of emotion, society and the human condition, as well as the depths of despair, corruption and depravity. I found myself speeding along in breathless excitement as Edmond's true identity was revealed to each of his tormentors, and felt the full horror of the tangled webs he wove to destroy them one by one. It made me ponder the relationship between wealth and power, between knowledge and power, and the way that faith can save someone's life but also, if they don't take care, lead them down a path swathed in darkness. The Count's lesson for jealous Danglars, for example, was deeply satisfying - whereas his quiet destruction of Villefort's entire family was devastating to read. Of course, all this is terribly unlikely and deeply dramatic, but that is part of its charm - this is escapism at its finest! Quite simply, this is a masterful novel that drew me in gently then refused to let me go. The characters are wonderfully drawn - I even got a bit of a crush on Dantes, fallen angel that he is - and the story seeps forward deliciously, bringing everything slowly into focus as the scattered elements of the Count's plans draw together. This is definitely going to be one of my top reads of the year and one of my favourite books ever! Read it!

I recently finished reading “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas, published by Penguin Classics, and it was an absolutely enthralling experience from start to finish. This edition is beautifully presented, with a cover that captures the essence of the novel and high-quality paper that makes for a pleasant reading experience. The story itself is a masterpiece of adventure and intrigue. Dumas’ writing is both engaging and detailed, bringing to life the tale of Edmond Dantès’ transformation from a wrongfully imprisoned sailor to the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo. The plot is richly layered with themes of justice, revenge, and redemption, making it a deeply satisfying read. One of the strengths of this novel is its complex and well-developed characters. Each character, from the cunning villains to the loyal friends, adds depth to the story. The protagonist’s journey is both heartbreaking and exhilarating, and it’s easy to become deeply invested in his quest for vengeance and ultimate justice. The Penguin Classics edition also includes helpful notes and an introduction that provide valuable context and insights into the historical and literary significance of the novel. This added depth enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the story. The only minor drawback is the novel’s length, which can be daunting. However, every chapter is filled with gripping narrative and unexpected twists, making it well worth the commitment. Overall, “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a timeless classic that deserves a place on every bookshelf. This Penguin Classics edition is a wonderful way to experience Dumas’ epic tale. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a story rich in adventure, emotion, and complexity.

Just as Napoleon is about to escape from Elba, Edmond Dantes, wrongly accused, is thrown into a dark dungeon and forgotten. As fourteen years pass, his despair is supplanted by determination to escape and take revenge on the three men responsible. This classic sat on my TBR pile for a while, daunting me with its 1243 pages. When at last I began I was soon engrossed by short chapters, a rollicking good story, and, mixed in with the melodrama and implausible events, some wonderful writing and keen insights into human behaviour. The book was first published in serial form in 1844, and its translator, Robin Buss, mentions in the introduction that Dumas was paid by the word. The pages could be cut by at least a third without loss, but the frequent recaps were helpful and the more pedestrian explanations skimmable. Not a must read, but an enjoyable one.

A proper classic.

Great story, great characters.

It’s 1300 pages of human emotion leaving you broader in your knowledge of heart and mind

Really well wrote by Alexandre Dumas I enjoyed reading it alot

Great book, disappointing condition- the book came with the front and the back over creased and marked on the front, and the back page was folded in the corner. Aside from this, the book covers the issues with authoritarianism and the justice system, in a captivating and entertaining way. Really good read.