Customer Reviews: Read 70 more reviews...
 Absolutely blown away by this book! July 15, 2008
When our Book Club chose CoMC, I sighed inside thinking oh no not another achingly dull 'classic'.
How wrong was I - I can't put the thing down and am busy devouring it at every opportunity! It's got a bit of everything - double crossing dirty dealers, treasure hunting, starcrossed lovers, wrongful imprisonment - any one of these would make a fantastic film plot by itself but here you have them all in one book. It is in reasonably straightforward language which means you don't have to think 'too hard' whilst you're reading it, so you can relax and enjoy it.
I would agree that some of the chapters don't immediately seem to bear any relevance to the tale - but then as you read on you see that actually Dumas is busy setting the scene so all of a sudden you'll get an 'aahhh NOW it makes sense' moment!
Thoroughly enjoyable, unputdownable - this is the only book you'll need on holiday this year!
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.
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