Not my favorite of the Musketeer books, but still a good one nevertheless.

All of the characters in 'The Man in the Iron Mask' by Alexandre Dumas live behind an iron mask-built of honor first and foremost. Honor is first before riches or political place or family or work.

I am torn. As much as I am in love with the Musketeers I cannot accept the code of honor they live by. Because they adhere so religiously to their honor code they are led into life threatening and adventurous episodes which entertain much in reading about them, but I was left mystified by the underlying dismal outcomes in most cases.

The characters who followed the fashion of honor, which was taught them how to be as a member of the French Musketeers, were all most pleased with themselves on that score and often had only their "honor" to comfort them when being honorable laid waste to their families, friends and fortunes. Our century's definition of satisfying honor is not about sacrificing all to it. Western culture anyway finds honor in sacrificing one to save many (remember Spock's death?).

Since the actual event of the man being masked is such a small part of the book I think my guess that the title is meant more metaphysically than literally is correct. Regardless, while the books entertain with adventure-war-sword fights-romantic love-silly and admirable and evil characters, along with thoughtful road trips into religion-politics-wealth-aristocrat and servant relationships-marriage, honor is the air, water, food, shelter and emotion underpinning all motivations, even those with selfish, mean or evil intentions. The only characters not given any sympathy by the author are those who behave without any of the aspects of honor as honor is believed to be in these books. Dumas forgives all else with understanding. The other thing I noticed is how heroic the heroes noticed themselves being by which they gave themselves permission to do everything. This kind of heroics seemed shockingly self-centered at times, sacrificing a hell of a lot needlessly in reality while our heroes glowed with self-appreciation. The musketeers are delusional with heroic intentions and ignore the actual failures of their heroism half of the time.

I would have had more fun in reading if I was a kid and male. As it was, my irritation with the cultural blindness so ably represented in these novels got in the way of my enjoyment. But I still felt grief for the characters too when I was supposed to as well as joy when they had success or fun. These guys are lovable to the max. This book is the last chapter of the Musketeers who are now in their 60's still living with honor at the end of their careers. Underneath all of it is disquiet at the messiness of being real heroes in a real world. (Yes, I know it's a fictional novel, but while it's a romantic history it's also NOT a fantasy or a Superman comic. The author wanted characters who were real people in the real world of the 17th century.) Dumas admired his heroes without reservations I think. Not so me, but I liked the adventure.

This is a terrible thing to say, but I think I liked the movie better (obviously Leonardo played a role in the weighing of the movie over the book). I was surprised how small a role the "man in the iron mask" actually played in this book. There were definitely some exciting fight scenes and such, but for the most part, it felt very long and drawn out.

I made it about halfway through before giving up. Not for any particular reason, I just didn't have any desire to continue.

Egads, the end of the series, and the ultimate end of the story of D'Artagnan and his fellow Musketeers. There is a lot packed into The Man in the Iron Mask. Much more than the reader may even be prepared for, given how slowly Louise de Valliere progressed. But Dumas sets events going right at the start, and once that spark lights it only leads to an explosion, and nothing will stop it before it gets there.

The only thing that struck me as out of place was near the end, when one of the characters starts having strange spiritual - almost fantasy levels - experiences, but I'm perfectly willing to chalk that up to fevered dreaming. The way it's presented, it certainly could be.

If you've been reading any of the Musketeer books, this is a very worthy end to the entire saga. I highly recommend it.

Oh! Oh! The drama! The action! Did I mention the drama? This last installment really delivers, especially having read the entire series back-to-back. I bit my nails, laughed out loud and actually cried (at least twice). Seriously, these books should be made into a Game of Thrones-like series, six seasons at least. It would be glorious. Mordioux, these were six entertaining months! I'm going to miss these guys!