Just finished Count of Monte Cristo

Ok, where to start.

This book has been another long read (unabridged, Robin Buss translation)ticked off my list after Les Miserables, and as both stories are drenched with French culture and carry similar themes, I apologize for the comparisons in advance.

A ship has apparently had some shady transaction with Napolean (exiled) on the island of Elba. Edmond Dantes, a sailor is about to get promoted to captain by his shipowner on arrival to France. Danglars, the accountant on the ship, gets jealous of the young man's appraisal. Mercedes has been waiting for Edmond to get married to him, but Fernand, her brother loves her too. He is jealous on Edmond's return. Together they hatch a plan to frame him into treason and by the unique circumstances around the case, the public prosecutor sends him into an isolated prison where he spends 14 years of his life in a dungeon.

The first 30% or so of the book about his predicament and escape from the prison is very fast paced. He becomes ultra rich due to a treasure. Then he becomes benevolent to those who've favoured him. And unleashes revenge on those who've done him wrong. The book drags on a bit in the middle, but trust me, everything is planned meticulously for the final showdown. At some points the obnoxious nature of the count (Edmond) gets too on the nose. It feels repetitive on how he feels that he's providence incarnate. However at the end, you get to see the count doubting himself and his thought processes are written beautifully.

Once you start reading, there are no digressions (as in Les miserables, Hugo goes on a tangent and gives us lessons about history, religion, revolution and sewers) and you could easily finish it if you don't mind the plot "seemingly" faltering in the middle. In the literary sense, though the book is fast paced, there's nothing much to ponder upon that'd stay with you for a long time. All major and minor characters attached to the main story getting their resolutions (which is a hallmark of classic literature) is done beautifully.

On one hand, Les miserables was about mercy , Monte cristo, on the other hand, is about revenge. Both books have taught me different things to follow under different situations. The beauty of Count's revenge is how he almost never is blamed for the misfortunes caused to his adversaries. So, I've learnt to gulp down the ill treatments handed out to me, and either forgive them or plan for later. For life is long, you could get back to them when you're positioned better.

A few scenes are grandly elevated, but there are a few ones where I felt dissatisfied due to the character decisions. Not a big fan of the ending. But still, a bloody well written story that has stood the tests of time as one of the best revenge sagas ever written. You could feel familiar with many arcs which inspired art and media throughout the years.

Also, strong female characters! Hats off to Dumas for that. Lgbt representation is stronger and more effective than some contemporary works. It was not effectively translated in the earlier versions, so please do confirm the Robin Buss translation before starting!