Finally Finished!!!

I finally finished reading “The Count of Monte Cristo” and man did it take me a long time! I typically read two to three books a month, but this book took me two and half months to read by its self.

Overall the story is captivating; although, I must admit it was hard for me to keep my focus on what was going on. It was especially difficult in the middle third of the book as the details of non-essential events seem to go on for ever.

Edmond, whom if you have read my previous posts emerges from a prison sentence, of which he was innocent, discovers a lost treasure and becomes immensely wealthy. He then uses that wealth to gain revenge on those who falsely imprisoned him. He also uses the wealth to reward those who support him and continue supporting him, even though they do not even realize who he is. Actually, no recognizes him, except for Mercedes who is his former fiancé -- but I digress.

It is interesting that although Edmond sets out for revenge, the men who caused him so much suffering; in the end, pretty much curse themselves on the wait of their own guilt.

Except for the fact that the Count is a stoner (i.e. he smokes pot and takes opium…must have been a cool thing to do for the rich in those days), he is a good and just person and you can’t help but root for him. As a matter of fact, the story is at its best when the Count is focus of the passage at hand. He is one of the most fascinating fictional characters you will ever read in a book.

Overall it was a good read; however, if I were to do it all over again I think I would get the abridged version. I also don’t think I will be reading “War and Peace” any time soon.