Recently, I finished The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas (audiobook). This thing is massive at 52 hours of audio time. 

What got me started down the Dumas trail was I read The Three Musketeers and loved it. 

In my friend circle, we talked about the book. One friend had to read it in high school. After I finished the book, reflecting on that comment, that was a mistake. Her distaste for this classic novel might be that how many of us in high school, ages 14 – 18, have enough life experience to appreciate the work? When the main characters life went to hell in a hand basket, he was only 18. Had been out many times to sea as an employed sailer, was going to get married, and had the hopes of becoming the youngest captain for the company he worked for. I know at 18, I had all these life experiences. Haven’t you?

“The novel is set in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean Sea during the historical events of 1815–1839, the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis Philippe I. It begins on the day when Napoleon left his first island of exile, Elba, beginning the Hundred Days period of his return to power. The historical setting is fundamental to the narrative. The Count of Monte Cristo explores themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness.

It follows the life of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely accused of treason, and imprisoned in the prison Château d’If. There, he meets Abbé Faria, who educates him and reveals the location of a hidden treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. After escaping, Dantès recovers the treasure, and transforms himself into a wealthy and enigmatic nobleman.

Under the identity of the titular Count of Monte Cristo, he enters high society in Paris and begins a calculated plan of revenge against those who betrayed him, including Danglars, his former ship’s supercargo, Fernand, the cousin and suitor of his fiancée, and Villefort, the crown prosecutor that ensures his imprisonment to protect his own career. In the end, he abandons complete devotion to revenge, seeks redemption, and departs with his former slave and lover Haydée, leaving others to confront the consequences of both their actions and his.”

I used this Wikipedia because it works. But one piece I’d like to add to this is that Dantes (so wrapped in his vengeance) believes that he is doing God’s will. There is almost a chapter of a monologue where he is in turmoil with himself over this. This concept I can get down with. Because I have done it. In my case, I used the Bible as a weapon and that was not my place. Romans 12:17-19 :English Standard Version

“17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[a] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.””

Not having read the original but the English translation, I didn’t think Haydee was already his lover. However, she was purchased as a slave. I might have completely missed that. It was my impression the Count bought her because she was part of his plan for revenge. 

This book is full of twists and turns. All of our human emotions are touched on. Toward the end of the book, I found myself wanting Haydee and the Count to sail off into the sunset. 

If you had access to a fortune that knew no bounds, how far would you go?

The Count of Monte Cristo – Wikipedia