Book Review: Count of Monte Cristo

By Elizabeth Suggs

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is a story of love, adventure, and, most importantly, revenge. 

Alexandre Dumas

Completed in 1844, the novel is one of Dumas' more popular works, similar to The Three Musketeers. Lesser known is the second author of the novel, Auguste Maquet. Maquet wasn't credited with the work to the same extent as Dumas due to a decision by the publisher. And since the story has two authors, there are many inconsistencies in the book, as well as slightly different tones of voice. 

The Count of Monte Cristo takes place during 1815–1893 in France, Italy, and the Islands in the Mediterranean sea. The story is about Edmond Dantès, first mate of the Pharaon, who was falsely accused of treason. He was imprisoned without a trial right before he's set to be married. 

While the first 100 pages or so (depending on the translation) focuses mostly on Dantès, most of the book afterward focuses on characters Dantès has impacted, and in fact, I believe the novel becomes less about Dantès and more about how this almost ethereal being, who can disguise himself at will and fool nearly everyone, affects others. 

From time-to-time, I enjoy the large classic novel, and while I enjoyed certain parts, there were many other points I didn't relish, but this has more to do with my lack of interest in war and my dislike of certain characters than the story itself. 

The story really shines with Valentine. Her story only seems related to the count much later. And I also loved the slight lesbianness to Louise and Eugénie. While it was never said they were off to be in love, the way it was written, from Eugénie dressing as a man and despising marriage, preferring to run off with her friend to do art for the rest of her life, led me to believe this fact. 

The funny thing is, Dantès was one of my least liked characters. His watching of people to "protect them," his owning of "slaves" (no matter his excuses), and his story ending made me very disappointed with his character. 

My favorite quotes: 

Love this line in politics, my dear fellow, you know, as well as I do, there are no men, but ideas—no feelings, but interest; in politics, we do not kill a man, we only remove an obstacle, that is all.

A good mother cannot depart without her son.

There is neither happiness nor unhappiness in this world; there is only the comparison of one state with another. Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss.

I'm not sure I'll ever reread this book, though I can see why others might want to try reading it. 

Want to read more classics reviews? Check out Anna Karenina!

Elizabeth Suggs is the owner and founder of Editing Mee and co-owner of Collective Tales Publishing. When she’s not writing or editing, she loves to dive deep into books (the weirder, the better!), and she loves to take random long walks to unplanned destinations. Check out her recently released book Collective Darkness with eleven other authors. Buy your copy here: www.CollectiveDarkness.com