The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo • Alexandre Dumas

⭑ 9.3 Stars

The epic tale of Edmond Dantès has long been my favorite fiction novel. It's been years since I last read it, but its placement on my shelf remains the same - at the very top. I’ve always been impressed by the sheer volume of the tale, the intricacies and detail that Dumas (with some help) carefully wove across 1,000+ pages. This skill seems to be a lost art, but with time apart and new experiences in my own life, I find myself impressed by more than the magnificent craftsmanship this time around. The story evokes every emotion - jubilation, confusion, despair - all within the first handful of pages, before proceeding to highlight the very best in human ingenuity and ambition. It's a remarkable story and one that I'll continue to return to often.