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amerynth's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" and am very thankful a monthly challenge prompted me to pick this book up, as it really wasn't on my radar. It turned out to be right up my alley and the type of book I really enjoy.
The book centers on Edmond Dantes, a 19-year-old French sailor whose enemies get the better of him, leaving him in jail for over a decade before he makes his escape. Dantes becomes obsessed with meting out justice -- revenge against those who destroyed his life, and favor for those who remained loyal.
There are some great twists and turns (as well as some tangents, but I didn't really mind them) in this book and I enjoyed seeing where Dantes' efforts for retribution landed. I thought this was a pretty fun read overall.
The book centers on Edmond Dantes, a 19-year-old French sailor whose enemies get the better of him, leaving him in jail for over a decade before he makes his escape. Dantes becomes obsessed with meting out justice -- revenge against those who destroyed his life, and favor for those who remained loyal.
There are some great twists and turns (as well as some tangents, but I didn't really mind them) in this book and I enjoyed seeing where Dantes' efforts for retribution landed. I thought this was a pretty fun read overall.
mabridges25's review against another edition
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
arinatrosihina's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kailansunshine's review against another edition
4.0
A really excellent book; I couldn't put it down! The ending dragged on a bit, though. By the time I hit the last few chapters, I really just wanted it to end already.
briangodsey's review
5.0
I love the movie (the one starring Jesus/Jim Caviezel) and I went in with high expectations for the story, but low expectations for the writing. I had these expectations because action and thrillers lend themselves better to the silver screen than they do paper, and also because the foreword of the edition that I read claims that Dumas' writing is not the best. I was positively surprised all around.
First of all, the plot is different enough from the movie to make it almost seem like a different story, although Edmond and Mercedes always looked like their corresponding movie roles, among other characters. And, the story is interesting from beginning to end. I had expected a much more long-winded explanation of everything, but I never got bored. Perhaps because I was reading the abridged version. I hope to read the full, two-volume version at some point.
Even the writing, though, was clear and to the point. I liked Dumas' manner of description; it's very direct, even blunt, but effective.
First of all, the plot is different enough from the movie to make it almost seem like a different story, although Edmond and Mercedes always looked like their corresponding movie roles, among other characters. And, the story is interesting from beginning to end. I had expected a much more long-winded explanation of everything, but I never got bored. Perhaps because I was reading the abridged version. I hope to read the full, two-volume version at some point.
Even the writing, though, was clear and to the point. I liked Dumas' manner of description; it's very direct, even blunt, but effective.
timgarris's review against another edition
4.0
I knew going into it that this would be a tragic tale. At first I thought it would be the misfortunes that fall on noble young Edmond Dantes. But the real tragedy proves to be what happens after- this innocent and good-hearted young man allows himself to be consumed by vengeance, only realizing too late the true cost of it. That was a definite moral in this story, for me. I didn't particularly enjoy how it ended and the characters were all a little too conveniently interrelated for me, but I enjoyed the overall plot enough that I can definitely see why this is considered a classic.
carson413's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
theqissilent's review against another edition
4.0
I'd probably have given this a 5, if it weren't missing 500 pages. The few end notes were of some help, but I would've preferred reading them in Dumas's voice. Still loved it! Just say no to abridged versions. At least it was free...
mamccoystories_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5