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charltonreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marinalikeaboatyard's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
well it’s finally happened - i’m experiencing my first real book hangover. what a RIDE. what an absolute BANGER of a book. I wish dumas could see how so many readers are still falling in love with this novel 200 years later, something I found out for certain when I discovered entire subreddits devoted to it. I already miss the characters. not only is CMC beautifully written, but the story is so unbelievably developed that when it all comes together - twist after twist after twist!! - you cannot put it down.
a few notes:
1. I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible this is in terms of ease of reading. having just finished moby dick, I was expecting it to be more difficult. it’s actually quite easy to read, length aside. i would recommend this to a reader who wants to get immersed in a classic novel, dedicate some time, but be able to understand the language/prose.
2. yes, the middle is a bit of a slog - dumas was paid per word! but it is all so necessary to build up the plot points and contrive revenge, and there are lots of great side quests that are fun little stories themselves and relevant to the overall plot. I sometimes struggle with following books like this, and one thing that helps is using stickies at the end of each chapter to summarize key points and developments! also, if i’m confused I never hesitate to check spark notes - it can be a good companion!
3. I always read paper but if you have any arthritis in your hands or get uncomfortable with it heavy books, definitely recommend the ebook!
4. if you are not familiar with french history at all - specifically 1800-~1850, i’d recommend just finding a quick synopsis or timeline so you understand the political machinations. they are KEY to the plot and it’s fairly simple history, so worth reviewing!
I cannot explain how gripped I was in the final 100-200 pages. every single little detail came together and I was literally GASPING at the plot twists.
my only qualm is that like, edmond was a fully grown man when he got arrested and like….no one recognized him?!!! you have to suspend disbelief a bit, but it’s funny to imagine him as the 19th century equivalent of a convict escaping and thinking he won’t be recognized because he’s wearing those fake glasses with the mustache attached.
so if you’re hesitant, do what another amazing reviewer on here said: grab your court-ordered paternity test and circular family tree and go for the ride!!
a few notes:
1. I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible this is in terms of ease of reading. having just finished moby dick, I was expecting it to be more difficult. it’s actually quite easy to read, length aside. i would recommend this to a reader who wants to get immersed in a classic novel, dedicate some time, but be able to understand the language/prose.
2. yes, the middle is a bit of a slog - dumas was paid per word! but it is all so necessary to build up the plot points and contrive revenge, and there are lots of great side quests that are fun little stories themselves and relevant to the overall plot. I sometimes struggle with following books like this, and one thing that helps is using stickies at the end of each chapter to summarize key points and developments! also, if i’m confused I never hesitate to check spark notes - it can be a good companion!
3. I always read paper but if you have any arthritis in your hands or get uncomfortable with it heavy books, definitely recommend the ebook!
4. if you are not familiar with french history at all - specifically 1800-~1850, i’d recommend just finding a quick synopsis or timeline so you understand the political machinations. they are KEY to the plot and it’s fairly simple history, so worth reviewing!
I cannot explain how gripped I was in the final 100-200 pages. every single little detail came together and I was literally GASPING at the plot twists.
my only qualm is that like, edmond was a fully grown man when he got arrested and like….no one recognized him?!!! you have to suspend disbelief a bit, but it’s funny to imagine him as the 19th century equivalent of a convict escaping and thinking he won’t be recognized because he’s wearing those fake glasses with the mustache attached.
so if you’re hesitant, do what another amazing reviewer on here said: grab your court-ordered paternity test and circular family tree and go for the ride!!
kellyrenea's review against another edition
5.0
A classic not to be missed!
A fabulous tale of betrayal and grief. Our main character is betrayed in every way possible to the point that his only reason for living is to exact revenge on his enemies. Yet, we are also given a glimpse into the soul of our main character, who begins obsessed with his revenge, yet by the end has learned to forgive and learned to live and love again for other reasons besides revenge. A wonderful tale of hope and redemption, forgiveness
A fabulous tale of betrayal and grief. Our main character is betrayed in every way possible to the point that his only reason for living is to exact revenge on his enemies. Yet, we are also given a glimpse into the soul of our main character, who begins obsessed with his revenge, yet by the end has learned to forgive and learned to live and love again for other reasons besides revenge. A wonderful tale of hope and redemption, forgiveness
graydon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mdown40's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
barly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ralen356's review against another edition
Well I am of the opinion that I put a regular amount of effort into this book. However, I never got hooked. I didn't get attached to any characters, and even in the abridged version, I was getting a bit impatient for exciting stuff to happen. The writing style is fine. Nothing special, though I suppose I have the editors to thank for its digestibility. I suppose I was a bit daunted by the size, so I might come back later.
lb2211's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
theveryslowreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very long to just make a point, but I thoroughly enjoyed most of it. Coming from a modern perspective some parts were uncomfortable and controversial which were unpleasant to read, however I do appreciate the authors way of conveying and articulating his ideas in the book and his ability to captivate the reader.
julianh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship