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Reader discussion: The Count of Monte Cristo
Public reader discussion about The Count of Monte Cristo in the WeRead Catalog by Dumas, Alexandre.
Short Review - The Count of Monte Cristo
By RestlessBlue72
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I'm reading the Count of Monte-Cristo and I'm really impressed
By SharpThyme
I kept hearing about this book forever, but I never really made the time for it. With it being over 1,000 pages, I’d just keep putting it off. Then last week I finally started, and I’m honestly blown away. I’m only through the first half, but I’m really loving it—now I get why people call it a classic. It feels like real artwork. I catch myself thinking about it all day, just wanting to get home and read more. I really can’t remember the last time a book made me feel this kind of connection.
If you haven’t read it yet and you like adventure and historical fiction, I think it’s a must. It’s one of those books that just keeps pulling you forward and reads so smoothly. Definitely recommend.
Just wanted to share my excitement with you guys!
The Count of Monte Cristo - Dumas is no dumbass
By Quill-Dualism
So my friend and I were swapping favorite books, and he won’t shut up about *The Count of Monte Cristo*. I didn’t really get into reading until this year, but he kept bugging me to finally try it, and honestly it was a bit of a challenge… but now it’s straight-up one of my all-time favorites.
I feel like the character growth is some of the best I’ve ever seen, and the scenes are just crazy—like Dante’s escape, Morrel almost losing his life, and even Noirtier admitting what he did to Franz’s dad. And then there’s all that moral stuff too, like whether Dante should even be someone you can root for with his revenge obsession, or if he should’ve just moved on and forgiven the people who messed him up. There’s a lot to chew on while you’re reading, and I really love that.
Sad to report, I just finished "Count of Monte Cristo" and I deeply did not like it.
By FallenMole2
Is anyone else feeling this? I keep seeing nonstop praise for it, so I went in hyped—especially since I really liked the movie when I was a teenager. The first chunk (like the first couple hundred pages) had me hooked. I was flying through it and honestly couldn’t stop.
But then somewhere in the middle it totally dragged, and I just started counting the pages until it was over. I stuck with it because I’d already put in so much time, but by the end I didn’t enjoy it at all. It got really long and kind of dry, and there were so many characters I couldn’t keep track of.
I’m usually into classics, and this one just didn’t work for me. I’m a big fan of American lit (Hemingway, McCarthy, Morrison, that kind of thing), and I also like Rushdie, Orwell, Dostoyevsky… so I’m not sure why this one felt like such a struggle.
Just finished The Count of Monte Cristo. WOW. I'm almost certain it's the best book I've ever read.
By BenLovesBooks
Not gonna lie, if it’s not the single best thing I’ve read, it’s definitely in my top three, no question.
I started it back in January and I honestly wasn’t sure I’d make it through, just because it’s so long. I read it pretty on-and-off—I wouldn’t read every day and sometimes I’d go weeks without touching it. Then somehow the last half just flew by and I finished it in the past three weeks, and I can’t believe it’s actually over.
I haven’t felt this kind of emptiness since I finished The Sopranos. :-(
This book is seriously amazing and kept me hooked the whole time. Every time I picked it back up, I was just shocked by Dumas’ writing—like how is this even real? The characters felt so well built and tangled in the right ways, and there were so many scenes and relationships and events that actually stuck with me. I really feel like I’ll never find another book like it.
This probably doesn’t add anything, I just feel super moved and kind of sad that I’m done.
Any recommendations for what to read next? Like, anything you read after Monte Cristo that somehow matched it, even if it’s just the vibe?
[Marginalia] The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
By starFable
Alright, here we go with The Count of Monte Cristo! This is the spot where we can put marginal notes while we read—stuff we wanna talk about, scribble down, link to another part, or just gush about because we’re weirdly excited. It might be someone’s first time picking this book up, so please remember the spoiler rules and what happens if you spoil things.
I’m assuming this marginalia is mainly for spoiler-type comments, and the actual discussion threads are not.
Everyone’s idea of a “spoiler” is different, so here are a few examples of things that usually count, like “just wait,” “this isn’t the last time you’ll see this character,” someone confirming your guess, “you’ll look back on this later,” Easter eggs, or basically “you don’t know enough for that yet.”
For the main discussions: if you’re even slightly unsure, it’s smarter to hide it with spoiler tags. Use the > ! and ! < style (no space). Also, when you tag something, it helps to add a quick sentence about what the spoiler is before the tag, so nobody accidentally clicks and ruins it.
If you see something you think breaks the spoiler rules, you can report it—mods will remove it and check. Hit “report,” select the “breaks r/bookclub rules” type, then the spoilers must be tagged option, and submit.
For posting in marginalia: if you’re referencing a chapter or the book, just drop something like “In chapter five there was this awesome fight scene and it totally made me picture a movie.”
Link the schedule.
The Count of Monte Cristo (Finished)
By Lone_Summer1979
Man, I’m kind of bummed I finished this book. I really didn’t want it to end. I watched the movie like, forever ago, and I feel like I mostly got the SparkNotes version back then—except somehow it was written by a teenager. The themes felt way more current and way more intense than I expected. I honestly thought it was mostly going to be this big revenge thing, but it kind of felt like that was just one part of everything instead of the whole focus. I’ve heard people say Dumas was getting paid by the word and maybe dragged it out on purpose, and if that’s true then I’ve got even more respect, because I was hooked the entire time.
Also, Franz is still amazing, for the record.
Where can I read the unabridged version of the count of monte cristo, possibly the penguin version, for free online?
By DoorRed
If your library works with Libby, there’s a good chance you can borrow this book there.
Reading The Count Of Monte Cristo... On page 600
By ProseProse
Got this last weekend and I’m honestly loving it already. The prose is really pretty, but for me the dialogue is what really grabs me. It feels like it’s doing a good job with both character stuff and letting you see what’s going on, and I haven’t once felt bored or dragged along. Sure, I still have a ton of pages left, but so far it’s been so consistent that I’m pretty sure it’ll keep going that way. And Edmond Dantes?? How can he be that captivating. I just had to say I’m singing its praises.
I’m a slow reader, but I’m basically telling myself tomorrow I’m doing 200 pages. Also I want to finish so I can dive into my Penguin Little Black Classics pile—White Nights, The Death of Ivan Ilyich, and Akutagawa. I’m in a rough spot right now, and books are kind of filling the space, so yeah… I can’t help but be excited.
The new Franco-Italian TV series The Count of Monte Cristo
By DawnBookworm2
Has anyone watched the new TV version of *The Count of Monte Cristo* with Sam Claflin as Edmond? I’m curious what people think. I’ve only caught bits of it from YouTube and I was kind of let down—everyone looks pretty unattractive to me. And there’s this really goofy scene where the Count sends those super expensive jeweled earrings to the Countess de Morcerf. She not only takes them, she wears them in front of her husband like, “look, Monte Cristo got me this,” which just feels totally wrong for the time period, and honestly between Edmond and Mercedes especially. I was really excited for the show, but now I’m not sure.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
By threadSleepy
This eBook is always free—it’s not copyrighted and you can get it right from the Gutenberg site here: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1184
Big thing though: the Gutenberg copy is the old classic anonymous translation, not the newer Penguin one by Robin Buss.
Also, a lot of other eBooks just re-sell Gutenberg or tweak it into something worse. I even saw one where basically everything was in italics, which was… a choice.
Finally finished "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, and I'm dying to talk about it
By ReefTurtle
I just finished The Count of Monte Cristo and wow, I’ve got a lot on my mind about it. It took me around five months to get through, but I was into it pretty much the whole time. I first saw someone praise it in a post here maybe close to a year ago and added it to my never-ending “to read” pile right away. Then I got it for my birthday last year and finally started it in early September 2022.
I’d mostly been reading non-fiction before this, so I was honestly kind of shocked by how fast it grabbed me. Edmond Dantes really got me, and the betrayal, loss, and heartbreak he goes through actually hit hard. I kept getting so angry for him and wanted his revenge to be as harsh and complete as possible. Watching this young, idealistic, genuinely good kid turn into this cynical, bitter, flashy guy was just one of those things that made me feel stuff from a book in a way I really hadn’t before.
And honestly pretty much every character Dumas made was interesting to me. Just off the top of my head, Noirteir, the whole Danglars family, Andrea Cavalcanti, Haydèe, all of them. But of course the Count himself was the best part every time he showed up. I was kind of as amazed by him as the other characters were. His revenge plan dragging out over so long was really fun to watch and also totally hard to guess. I do wish we got more of what happened after the end though. I was especially curious about some of the smaller characters like Andrea and Franz. It felt like they had a lot built up and then kind of got dropped once they’d done their part for the Count.
Besides that, the slower stretch in the middle and a few small complaints (I didn’t get the Buss translation so I guess mine had a bunch of changes and cuts) I think this might honestly be my favorite book I’ve read. Definitely the longest one I’ve read too.
Would love to hear what other people think.
The Count of Monte Cristo changed me and I don’t know what to read anymore
By Sun_Sky
Just wrapped up The Count of Monte Cristo and I’m kind of stunned. The characters feel so different from each other, and I ended up actually getting pulled into all their individual stories (and yeah, the Count is definitely the highlight).
Now I’m trying to find something else with that same kind of character quality—people who can be complicated, even a little ruthless, but still somehow you end up caring about them. I also really want an engaging plot, not just vibes.
I’m leaning toward another classic, ideally around 200–300 pages (100–400 is okay too). I don’t care too much about genre, but I love when classics bend reality a bit—like using magic or a slightly less realistic world—to make their point, kind of like The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Why you should read The Count of Monte Cristo
By annotationcrescent
This might sound like a spoiler coming out of my mouth, but I swear it isn’t. More like a heads-up so you can jump in and just enjoy all the wild twists still ahead.
Anyway—short version: this is the kind of long book you *don’t* want to finish, and it’s got to be one of the best revenge stories out there. The first stretch (like the first 100 pages) basically has the narration telling you more than Dante, so you’re watching this young guy’s life get wrecked for no good reason. He’s locked up and has zero clue why, and meanwhile you do. It’s honestly kind of ridiculous how unfair and petty it all is.
Then it flips later (after a couple hundred pages or so): suddenly Dante knows more than you do. He’s out of prison, he figures out who ruined him, and then it’s full-on payback time. And you’re just along for it—the ride is *intense*.
I get why people hesitate because of how long it is, but I really think you should go into it expecting that length, not treating it like a dealbreaker. It genuinely earns every page.
Quick note: for the Penguin English Classic edition—that’s the one to get. There are a bunch of different translations and some arguments about them, so that edition seems like the safest bet.
Also, if you’ve already read it, please don’t spoil it for the new folks I’m trying to get into it. Most people are being cool, but a few aren’t—so let’s try to be considerate.
[Discussion] The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – final thoughts
By basilcomet77
Finally done! Honestly, what a wild ride it’s been—The Count of Monte Cristo totally lived up to the “epic journey” hype. This is just me checking in with my overall thoughts and seeing what everyone else thinks about the book and all the stuff around it. I’ll share a few prompts, but if you’ve got your own questions too, jump in.
Also, big thanks to my fellow read-runners—shout out to u/pythias, u/joinedformyhubs, u/NightAngelRogue, and u/Username_of_Chaos—for helping make it happen (and wow, spelling that out took me a second). And yeah, to everyone who followed along and jumped into the discussions, I had a ton of fun reading and talking about it with you all!
Just finished The Count of Monte Cristo
By MochaMargin61
This might honestly be my new favorite book. I don’t even know how to put into words how much it messed with my emotions while I was reading it, but it was intense the whole way through. I really got attached to the characters, especially Edmond Dantès / the Count of Monte Cristo, and I liked a bunch of the major and smaller ones too. It never felt boring or like it was dragging—every chapter seemed to be doing something.
I also loved how Dumas builds up the Count into this super powerful, mysterious figure. It feels like he’s almost steering fate, and the writing sells that really well. I watched the 2002 movie right after, and it was fine, really good cast, all that—just… it’s maybe like 5% the book. The rest is basically creative liberties. There’s no way you could fit the whole thing in two hours without changing a ton.
What hit me hardest was how Edmond basically wins you over immediately at the start—he’s just kind and easy to like—then suddenly everything gets ripped out from under him when he’s blamed for something he didn’t do. His whole shift into the Count felt handled in a way that’s actually satisfying. The mystery around the Count is great too, and you don’t just get it dumped on you; the other characters react to him, so you slowly get this sense of how cold and bitter he’s become. The stuff about capital punishment and other grim moments was disturbing, and it made me really want his revenge to line up exactly how he wants it. He gets through most of it, but then that awful unintended tragedy involving a child forces him to rethink things for his final move. I also liked that he takes down his enemies in a kind of ranked order, from least to most “important” in ruining his life.
Even with all the heavy darkness—emotion-wise and event-wise—the big takeaway for me is that there’s still hope. His whole fight for Edmond’s soul ends up mattering more than the revenge, especially when he spares Albert de Morcerf and later Danglars.
Anyway, I know it’s late, but I just really wanted to get out how stunned I felt after finishing it.
Some thoughts on Count of Monte Cristo
By PorchWatches19
Finished the book and then I went looking for discussion so I could see other people’s takes. I ended up watching some videos and reading comments, and a lot of folks kept saying the revenge went too far. One review even basically said “Edmond” didn’t deserve “Mercedes,” like she was owed something and he wasn’t. But honestly I can’t even tell what they wanted the revenge story to do—because in a revenge plot, what should’ve happened instead?
Also, I don’t fully buy the way Mercedes gets painted as this super pious saint. I’m not even talking about her marrying Fernand or leaving Edmond. The part that gets me is when Dantes comes back and finds out his father died from starvation. Who was taking care of him when Edmond was gone? Mercedes. So when she chose Fernand, she didn’t really think through what would happen to Edmond’s dad—his only care. And then he dies, and it’s not like it was some “fair” tragedy. It’s starvation. It feels like the worst kind of thing.
And if you actually read the earlier chapters, that death is what pushes Edmond further into his revenge, not away from it. Then later (chapter 89), Mercedes begs him to spare his son. He does. He even says he’ll give up his own life instead. But then I’m sitting there like… where was her conscience? Because Edmond’s not the only one who’s going to suffer—Edmond’s son’s involved too, and she’s basically being selfish when she asks him to dishonor himself. Also, she doesn’t even show up at the duel. Like she could’ve handled her own son, who was the one throwing a tantrum, instead of going to someone who doesn’t owe her anything and asking for favors.
By the end, I never really saw Mercedes as people act like she is. She’s got flaws, big ones.
As for the revenge, everyone talks about Edmond “going too far,” but he lost everything for years—14 years in prison, his family, his love, his honor. What tried to help him was basically part of a set-up, and he was constantly getting close to being destroyed. If that still doesn’t justify a lot of his revenge, then I don’t know what would.
And people also forget that Count loved Haidée too (like as a daughter at first, and later more), so his choices aren’t just random revenge with no real feelings behind them. You can say what you want about his actions—I don’t think they’re defensible, exactly—but he isn’t some “moral” character either. He’s basically a revenge-driven madman. Not a saint.
My thoughts on The Count of Monte Cristo
By ella_miami21
Honestly, I really liked this book. Like, it was amazing. But did I love it? Not really.
I think I went in with way too high expectations, since every review I saw was basically “this is the best ever,” and I just didn’t get that. It’s not bad at all—it’s just not something I personally feel that strongly about.
I also really don’t like abridged versions, and I hate saying this kind of thing, but I feel like this one didn’t need to be made so long. A tighter revision could’ve helped. I don’t think Dumas should’ve cut entire scenes, but some of the dialogue and descriptions and a few moments could’ve been shorter. There’s a ton of repeating stuff, and sometimes it just feels annoying and doesn’t add anything. I genuinely loved the first and the last chunk—like the first and last 200 pages. But the middle (the 800?) could’ve been better.
Edmond Dantes was a great character at the start. I kept rooting for him and just wanted him to get out and have the life he deserved. Then he becomes the Count and I couldn’t stand him. He’s basically a Mary Sue—no real flaws, super skilled, rich, attractive, can make things happen instantly, has some divine backing, and somehow he’s also unbelievably pretentious. He made the whole thing feel like a chore to get through. The only time he got even slightly more interesting was near the end when he finally starts showing real emotion. And I have to ask about Haydee—he thinks of her like a daughter one moment, and then suddenly he’s lusting after her. It’s confusing to me. Like, how did we get from point A to point B so fast?
As for the villains, Villefort is the only one I actually cared about. I would’ve loved a whole book just about him and his family life, because he has passions and a downfall and actual feelings. Danglars and Fernand have reasons too, but since Dumas doesn’t spend as much time on them, they end up feeling more cartoonish to me.
Albert is my favorite character in the whole novel, honestly, and I think that’s the main reason I kept reading. He’s more developed and feels like a real person. I liked his temper, his strength, and how he can admit when he’s wrong and apologize. Him and his mom deserved better.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. I didn’t end up enjoying it as much as I wanted, but I’m still excited to read more Dumas—starting with The Three Musketeers.
Feel free to share your thoughts too.
The Count of Monte Cristo: Chapter 2 REAL Summary
By Superuser
SPOILERS I guess!!!
Here’s how I’m reading Chapter 2 of The Count of Monte Cristo (like, my first classic ever, so please tell me if I’m totally off).
Edmond goes back home and finds his dad looking wrecked—pale, weak, and straight up starving. From what I get, Edmond owed money that Gaspard Caderousse was chasing, but instead of taking it from Edmond directly, he took it out on Edmond’s father. That’s wild to me. Like if someone owes you money, how are you gonna go mess with their dad instead?
While Edmond’s talking to his dad, the jealous neighbor (Gaspard) is just hanging around listening instead of minding his own business.
And when Edmond leaves, Gaspard’s clearly getting the situation wrong/misreading him. Then Danglars is also there, lurking and seemingly cooking something up with Gaspard.
So yeah… it feels like Danglars and Gaspard are about to team up and mess with Edmond’s life, and maybe mess with his chances with Mercedes too. Not 100% sure yet, but that’s the vibe I’m getting.
Hot take: I didn't love The Count of Monte Cristo
By CafeKettle81
This was just kind of okay to me. I thought it would be more of a crazy twisty thing with lots of intrigue and plotting, but instead it felt like a bunch more Valentine stuff, with a bit of revenge tossed in.
I kept thinking about those older days when books would get released in the paper one chapter at a time, and I honestly feel like I’d be annoyed all over again if I had to wait another week for another Valentine chapter.
And maybe I’m biased because I already knew the general story and key plot points, but still—I don’t really get why people go on about it so much.