Customer Reviews: Read 69 more reviews...
 One of the greatest literary works March 28, 2008
An entralling book of magnificent scale. The way dumas ties the many different links of the story togther is genius. I didn't find one moment of this story boring. It is a long novel and, as such, it is something of a commitment, but it is well worth it. A story that is primarly about the morality of vengeance, I wished at times that I could be transported back to france under the bonapartist revolution. I strongly recommend the penguin unabridge version.
Wow! February 25, 2008
Going through some of the classic novels, and not being a great reader, I was not sure what to expect from this. But all I can say is what a novel.
Originally the huge size of the full version of the novel put me off somewhat, but ultimately it is one of the easiest novels to read and one you don't want to end or put down. I would agree with other reviews, make sure the unabridged version is bought.
It does lag a little when the Count is in Rome, but readers should preserve. Some could argue that there are some flaws with the development of the characters, I particularly thought that there needed to be more regret in Dantes' actions.
But really, go and buy this novel and read one of the greatest stories ever written.
Superb!! January 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
In an email to a friend, I had this to say of what surely is one of the most wonderful books of all times:
"I'm currently reading "The Count of Monte Cristo", a monster of a book at almost 1,200 pages. It's definitely one of the best books I've ever read. I strongly recommend it, if you've not read it already (somehow, I suspect you have). It's got everything I value in a book - beautiful (though quaint and antiquated , which makes it more pleasing) language, intrigue, jealousy, vindictiveness, power; in short, very rich in moral fibre.
The only problem is that I'm into the last 70 or so pages, and will finish it soon (a prospect I truly dread!); the obvious problem is - what book does one read after reading a masterpiece like this? A philanderer who has had the good fortune of dating the most desired woman around faces the same problem - who does he date after such an exploit?"
All my friends call me Dantes May 4, 2007
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
You know when you're reading a really good book and you don't want it to end?
This is that book!
And it's by Dumas!
What more could a person want?
I was first drawn to Dumas after reading 'The Dumas Club' - which is actually quite a bad book. I was reading other French lit. of the period and thought I'd give it a go. Dumas is one of my fave. authors hands down. His attention to detail and masterful storylines have helped ensure his place in literary heaven - one of the greats who will never be forgotten.
Superb, what a tale April 22, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Superb, what a tale, I was riveted by the fascinating story, so deep so full of the deepest human feelings. The language is sophisticated and typical of the 19th century when it was written. It is an intelligent book and far more enjoyable than Victor Hugo's masterpiece "Les Miserables". I read it quickly, it was nearly 900 pages but how fast paced it was and how well the characters were outlined. Dumas is a master storyteller and apart from the authentic retelling of the story in the TV series with Gerard Depardieu there are few stories which compare. It is remarkable by how well they stuck to the storyline in the TV series and how well the characters such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Danglers, Villefort, Mercedes etc were portrayed.
The story of a simple sailor who is soon to become a captain and his love for the beautiful Mercedes who he is just about to marry and the terrible circumstances which follow with the framing of the sailor by his supposed friends Fernand and Danglers and the hellish times to follow, he spent 14 years in a dungeon. The suffering which is portrayed so well, its almost as if Dumas himself had suffered so, somehow the book actually gives an inkling of what it would be like to be trapped within a tiny dingy, dark and stinking room for 14 years with no recreation no entertainment noone to talk to and simple the inability to leave the room, madness seems inevitable. The Abbe Faria saved him this, so much love to give to Edmond Dantes, he restores his life. His subsequent enriching and terrible revenge and the need for him to free himself of the suffering of others only to find it hidden in his own depths. It just doesn't get any better than this. Its not often I give 5 stars. Its a miracle, ... To say the least worth every cent and I would have paid four times as much for it.
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