It's a classic, so it's kind of beyond critique, right? I'm not going to say anything about this book that hasn't already been said. So, rather than a traditional review, consider this advice to future readers.

Firstly, I started this book with certain expectations. I assumed the book would closely resemble some amalgamation of the movies bearing this book's title I've watched and liked. Not so! The book is drastically more complex. Our protagonist's vengeful schemes go beyond simple duels and bankruptcies. Rather, Dantes manipulates an insanely intricate web of relationships to turn against itself, forcing lovers, relatives, and friends to unwittingly backstab, poison, and embarrass to the point of social demise. I'd encourage a perusal of the image below to get an idea as to the complexity of Dantes' scheming.



With that in mind, I implore potential readers, take your time with this book. I made the mistake of renting this from my library and being held to a 2-week time frame to make it through this 1200 page book (~50 hour audiobook). I learned, towards the end of my reading, this book was originally published in 18 parts, over the course of ~18 months. It was not meant to be consumed in one sitting. So, if you plan on reading it, please, do yourself a favor and just buy it. Tab it. Highlight it. Don't put yourself on a deadline. I hope you enjoy it even more than I did.