Edmond Dantes is imprisoned for 14 years for a crime he did not commit. When he finally escapes, he uses the knowledge he has gained while inside his dungeon to exact revenge upon those responsible.

I think any reader will love this book. It's a "classic" that is easy to read and is also a thrilling experience. The 1000+ page length may scare off some readers, but it goes by fast and is worth the time it takes to read!

I found myself very emotionally connected to this book, which doesn't happen too often with me. I found myself moved to tears, which is rare. I can think of one other book off the top of my head which did that (To Kill a Mockingbird).

It was hard for me to understand why Dantes (the Count of Monte Cristo) felt everyone had to suffer before they could experience joy. I'm not saying this is an error on the writer's part, but it was difficult for me to identify with that line of thinking. That's the only part of the book that was difficult for me.

watch the films, The Princess Bride and V for Vendetta, which I think heavily draw inspiration from this book.

grateful for my blessings.

It's such an engaging, emotional book! You really feel connected to all the characters, and though the three men who betrayed Dantes "deserve" their punishment, you also feel very badly for them as it is enacted upon them.

Dumas doesn't pull any punches in this book. It is very violent and unfair (such is life, right?). There is one scene in particular which was difficult for me to read (the one which moved me to tears) which involved the safety and life of a young child. That may be too much for some readers, so be warned.

If you own a Kindle, the ebook is free on Amazon. I'm sure you can also find it in a library. My goal this year is to read 52 books, one per week. This book took me three weeks to read, and it was absolutely worth it! Definitely in my top ten of all time!

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Created Feb 12, 2012 at 8:43am • Submit your own review...