Just finished chapter 39 out of 117 of Alexandre Dumas’ classic epic, “The Count of Monte Cristo”, and it has been a sensational experience so far

I was never an avid reader, having read like a pathetic 40-50 books in my entire life, but when I started my gap year I convinced myself to get more into reading, and I'm SO glad I did because it led me to reading The Count of Monte Cristo.

I had seen the (2024) movie before, which I enjoyed, and my dad recommended the novel to me but actually reading the real unabridged book with Robin Buss' translation is such an incredible experience.

It's insane how fast paced and constantly engaging this 1250 page monster of a book is. So far the 39 chapters have been consistently interesting and enjoyable to read, whether it was: the first few chapters describing Edmond's innocence and happiness contrasted with the wretched envious anger, hate and greed of his enemies, or how Edmond reaches rock bottom and attempts suicide in prison, only to be saved by Abbe Faria as their relationship builds beautifully but tragically ends in death, or Edmond's daring escape as he tries to get the treasure, even doubting to himself if it even exists, or how Edmond tries to return to his past, confronting Caderouuse and learning of M. Morrel's financial calamity, or the previous few chapters I've read narrating Albert and Franz and how they learn of and interact with this mysterious Sinbad the sailor, also known as the eponymous count of monte cristo, who they meet at the Roman carnival.

It's like the book is a soap opera in my hand, which makes sense because I think Dumas serialised it in the newspaper when he was writing it?

From what I've heard, this engaging writing continues to the very end, and I am very excited to read the 780 or so pages that I have left of this literary classic.