Chances are you’ve heard of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Published as part of a serial from 1844 to 1846, this book has become one of the classics, a commonly used work in countless English classes. I read it for the first time as part of my Language & Literature course, and I can’t say with any certainty if I ever would’ve cracked it open, otherwise. What I can say, though, is I’m incredibly grateful it was assigned.
The Count of Monte Cristo tells the story of Edmond Dantès, an up-and-coming sailor living in early 19th Century France. Dantès seems to have everything going for him: a promotion to Captain, a loving fiance, a boss who appreciates him, and a caring father. Then, Dantès trips his way into a treasonous plot, and his enemies don’t hesitate. Dantès is sent to the Chateau d’If, a cliff-side prison that holds only the worst of the worst. Dantès languishes in his dank cell, and it is in this dark corner of the world that he begins to piece together his plan for revenge, one that will take him all over the world and more.
Dumas’s book is a masterpiece of social intrigue, scandal, corruption, and, above all, vengeance. It forces the reader to consider how far they’d go in pursuit of justice, and just how far is too far. The Count of Monte Cristo reaches beyond just complex; I would liken it to a spiderweb, in which no character can be called inconsequential. This, of course, means there’s no room for nodding off while reading this book. It requires, for lack of better words, constant vigilance. Considering how enthralling Dumas’s storyline is, such focus isn’t so hard to manage.
The Count of Monte Cristo has, since its publication, been translated into two movies. The 2002 film, starring Helen McCroy and Henry Cavill, strays terribly from its source material, but is a fun watch all the same. The 2024 film, released first in France, remains a mystery to me. Once I figure out how to stream it, it’ll be the first on my watchlist.
I recommend The Count of Monte Cristo to anyone who enjoys complicated stories, where morality is blurry and metaphors abundant. It’s truly a fascinating read, one that will captivate you until the very last page.
Opmerkingen