Book review
Yesterday I finished "The Count of Monte Cristo" and it was one hell of a long book. I think there are different (shorter) versions of this book, but I opted for the full full long version. My copy had notes printed at the back to explain certain references/words that todays reader may not understand, and I suggest anyone attempting to read it get one similar.
It tells the story of Edmond Dantes and his fall from almost complete happiness to absolute ruin, at the hands of three men who he believed friends. It tells of his 14 years in prison, his escape and his eventual return as the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo, hell bent on revenge.
The language and social etiquette can be at times a little confusing but its set in France during the 1800's, which explains it, but after a while I got used to it all. I think the story is a little too long, but it was originally serialised in a magazine/newspaper I think, which explains it again!
I read "Crime & Punishment" last, which was a depressing but good novel. The Count of Monte Cristo is a real adventure book with riches, bandits, murder, love and so much more its hard to compare the two together!
I give the book 8/10 (its a great story but loses a point for the sheer length of it)