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Aug 24, 2016pellikan rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
**Warning! Plot spoiler ahead!** Set against the political backdrop of pre-revolutionary France, the Count of Monte Cristo is an epic, but fast paced novel. The story starts with Edmond Dantes; a hard working, honest and somewhat naive young man who is just starting in life. In fact, his start in life is going so well that he incites the jealousy of some people he had felt were his friends. These jealous men plot against Edmond and, on the day of his wedding, he is arrested and imprisoned unjustly for 14 years. He is kept in a solitary dungeon cell for many years before the man in the next cell digs his way into Edmond’s cell by accident. His new friend, Abbe Faria, teaches Edmond about science, art, language and more. Furthermore, Abbe Faria discloses the location of a great treasure to Edmond. When Abbe Faria dies, Edmond escapes by trading places with his dead body and being thrown into the sea. His plunge in the sea is like a baptism; his old life is now dead, he emerges through trial and storm with God’s grace into a new life. Years after his escape, Edmond has claimed the treasure and transformed himself into the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo, intent on revenge on those who had wronged him and rewards to those who had tried to help him. Through the middle portion of the book the Count seems all knowing and unstoppable. Then, connections and complications beyond his control begin to interfere with his plans. He is nearly killed in a dual, only saved by the reversal of his opponent. He nearly kills the lover of one whom he would wish to reward. The Count, so bold and full of self righteous wrath, begins to learn he is but a man after all and not the avenging angel of God. The novel is long, and yet fast paced. The action is largely related to the reader through dialog, helping to keep the reading interesting. The dialog is vivid, romantic, figurative and highly detailed. Dumas’ vivid descriptions bring to life Rome, Paris and even the romantic ideal of Orientalism. This novel was originally published as a serial, divided into 18 parts. As I read, I imagine likely places for the author to leave the reader, anxious for the next installment. I highly recommend this novel even to those who, like me, are wary of classics. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.