Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Recently finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo. It was one of my personal goals to read it this year, and I’m glad I managed to do it before the year ended. Here’s my review of this vengeance saga:

Pros

• If English is not your native language, the book works well for intermediate level readers. If English is your first language, even beginners can enjoy it.
• Some readers feel the book drags in the middle, but I didn’t experience that.
• I absolutely loved the chapter where Haydee is introduced. It’s easily one of the most romantic things I’ve ever read (to be fair I am not big on the romance genre). The moment where she touches her heart and eyes, speaking of her father being ever-present there, and the Count asks, “Where am I?” to which she replies, “you are everywhere''. Ooofff, that scene really stayed with me! While not central to the main plot, their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book.
• The revenge itself, and the aftermath of the Count’s emotions, was deeply satisfying to follow.
• The subtle parts which shows us how the society worked in those times and mentality of the folks. For example, when Edmond gives his father money and asks him to buy groceries and the latter replies he will buy it over a period of time so that nobody thinks he is dependent on his son for the same.
• The interwoven dynamics of the characters. The characters are well thought out and written.

Cons

• Even though I didn’t find the content dull, I did hit a reading slump because it felt endless. I usually gravitate toward books I can finish within a week. Something I clearly need to work on.
• I got a bit confused on who is who in the chapter where the Count visits Albert's house for breakfast and several people are introduced at once.
• There are sections that could have been omitted without affecting the plot. That said, the writing is so good that most readers will still enjoy every bit.

If you have read the book, please share your thoughts below as I would love to hear them and interact with fellow readers who have enjoyed the book as much as I did!