Alexandre Dumas is one of my favorite authors. No one does adventurous camaraderie underscored by deep relationship like my man Alexandre. His books are thick, substantial, weighty, easy to fall into.
My favorite Dumas books are his Musketeer books. I have a strong identity factor with D’Artagnan, and I love the complexity of the Musketeers. I read the books at sixteen, and read them again and again. I always avoided The Count of Monte Cristo, because people said that was Dumas’ best book, and I so wanted the Musketeer series to be number one.
Two years ago, I read Monte Cristo. Everyone else was right, yeah, I admit it.
As with many of the classics, I admit freely to cheese. There are a few too many coincidences for the modern reader, but with this book, at the same time, the novel seems very modern.
It is an arena to study the taut psychology of revenge. It is a vehicle to show growth and philosophy which lead to forgiveness. There is no cheesy happen ending for wronged lovers who can never find their way back. That time has passed for Mercedes and Edmond.
At the same time, the book does not disappoint for action. Monte Cristo is a precursor for smart action heroes. He can disguise himself to fool his old friends. He whips up antidotes for poison. His portable “bat cave” is put together for him by incredibly loyal servants who help him pull off nigh miracles as he at first seeks revenge, and then seeks justice. Oh. He seeks justice.
I think that all fantasy authors should read The Count of Monte Cristo. Then again, I’d recommend pretty much all Dumas. If you feel you really need to understand the human in the dramatic, the relationship in the adventure, look at him. No overkill, just good exciting action married with friendships you wish you had.
