The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
1846 / 1,596 pgs. ( ~ 464,000 words) Adventure/Classic

The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic novel, and I’m not just referring to the vast size of this book. At its core, it is a book about a prison break and vengeance for the wrongdoing done to the main character. That is so simplified — where the story is amazing is the characters themselves that allow the building of the story. The size of the novel does tempt even some seasoned readers, yet I can say that the story is easy to follow. Sometimes the challenge is trying to figure out who is who, as some characters get titles that change their name versus what it was at the start of the novel. However, never in the entire time while reading the book did I ask how much longer I have in the novel. Every chapter felt like a story that leaves you wanting more. In fact, if you understand that this book was serialized, then you can understand why it’s written the way it is.

From start to finish, I was asking just how is this going to end! What amazed me was that the prison break is so early in the book — I was thinking, what are we about to embark on for the next 1,200+ pages that are left? It didn’t disappoint either! It does take a long time for the story to build to the revenge section. Also, after the prison break, there is a large section that takes place from another character’s view where you wonder why are we reading about this, and that’s when you realize that all the other characters are now the main players and the Count is the character that comes into play when needed. That anticipation was gnawing at me the whole time I read it. I was looking forward to each revenge plot and how it was going to play out.

As each plot builds and we see the effects of his revenge, it’s sweeter than the last. Although, for the first time in a long time, I read a scene that stood my hair on end — I was floored and started to cry. The visual was amazing! To date, this was one of the most amazing lines I’ve read that sent chills down my spine:

“‘Héloïse! Héloïse!” he said, “what is the matter? Speak!” The young woman extended her stiff white hand toward him. “It is done, sir!” she said, with a rattling which seemed to tear her throat. “What more do you want?” and she fell full length on the floor.” – The Count of Monte Cristo

The image after this made me cry and even scream something that I don’t want to ruin for the dear reader.

Would I recommend this book? YES! I couldn’t put this book down. It is amazing. I haven’t read a book this gripping since I read Stephen King’s IT.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book!

Lopaka

Note: After I finished this novel, I did a little research — I would recommend not doing that before reading. I’m sure I would have viewed the book differently had I known this information beforehand. Also, some say this is not the best book by Alexandre Dumas, and that The Three Musketeers is better. I’ve already added that to my future reading list!