Finished: March 29, 2023
Why I read this
Living in Paris exposes you to a lot of things, good food, good wine, lots of cigarette smoke, and plenty of culture. I knew that there were many great French writers, but not until I saw their names everywhere around Paris did it really sink in to me how much of rockstars they are in the culture here. I even learned recently that they even call French “the language of Molière” as a common expression. So obviously I have wanted to read some of the classics, and of course Alexandre Dumas works stand with the rest (he is buried in the Pantheon after all). When I found the copy of The Count of Monte Cristo in my Mom’s house I knew it had to be next on my reading list.
What I learned
Although obviously fiction, the book is placed in a very real period of French history and being exposed to all of the special aspects of a Parisian life 200 years ago was an absolute pleasure (Not the mention the forward and other additions to the book that discussed the author, period, and timeline of events in France that greatly added to the exposition of the book). The excessive class system and hierarchy of the city were insightful and remnants can still be seen today.
Beyond the setting of the book the story was excellent. Less philosophical and more crowd pleasing, the book starts quickly and doesn’t really stop. The sheer absurdity of many of the scenes and the magnificence of the character of the count almost makes you want to be just like him despite the terribly aspects of his life. Furthermore, I even felt some motivation from the character of the count. To have someone so dedicated to a single task without the obstacles of money or the struggles to live in this period was an interesting thought experiment.
What I didn’t like
I very much enjoyed reading this book and I would gladly recommend it, but as an adult reader some of the plot left a bit to be desired. Much of the book was action driven and entertaining but the characters in places were unreasonable or silly. Also many of the twists were so clearly and explicitly stated to the reader that it felt a bit dumbed down. I understand this comes from the way it was written (explained in the preface, that it was released in segments over months or years), and the level of education of the general audience from the period, but I wish Dumas had included some more subtle elements to add to the value for the astute reader (or more probably I am no astute enough to realize the clever things he already included!)
Questions I asked
If given unlimited resources to live your life as you please would it be fun, or just tiresome?
What kind of world could we live in if every person imprisoned were able to learn and be educated in this way? 100% of your time and energy dedicated to learning.
To what extent is knowledge really power? Was the Count rich because he was smart, was he smart because he was rich, or was it something between? Could a dumb man have kept and used such an immense fortune ?
My Favorite Quote
“I have decided to have my own house at Paris. I sent my valet on in advance, and he will have bought a house and furnished it ere this… He knew I was to arrive at ten o’clock this morning, and was waiting for me…and gave me this piece of paper. It is my new address…Number thirty, Champs Elysees!.”
The Count of Monte Cristo
Books I liked like this one
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (For the accurate depiction of a previous time)
Fairy Tale by Stephen King (For its more simple style and plot driven narrative)
Book Reviews for Mom 