A great read! Highlights:
So immersive. Gotta love a tome where there’s ups and downs and decades pass.

I knew the story’s broad strokes, but the execution and details blew me away. The characters were well-defined. The schemes were unpredictable and so numerous.

Interesting French history during a pivotal period. I would not have liked to live then, when political accusations could wind you in prison for 10+ years.

The good characters were so good; the bad so bad. It was reminiscent of children’s stories, in a good way.

The characters feel and express emotions so deeply. Fun to read people unironically say their heart is soaring, etc.

A lesbian happily ever after in 1800s literature! Forget portrait of a lady on fire.

I was hooked in during the prison portion -- I loved Abbe Faria so much.