19th Century Epic Romances discussion

***SPOILERS******

After you have finished reading the book, let us know your overall impression, favorite parts, etc. There is no need to label your spoilers here! Speak freely about the book but remember to be respectful! Thanks :)

The first idea that jumps into my head when I think of 'The Count of Monte Cristo' is that this book was overlooked by the movie/TV industry. In the case of other novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Jane Eyre' or even 'Anna Karenina', there have been many book-to-screen adaptations over the years, from movies to mini-series. In the case of 'Pride and 'Prejudice' the 1995 mini-series represents perfection. But I have not seen any satisfactory adaptation of 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. I have seen Richard Chamberlain, Gerard Depardieu and James Caviezel play the role of Edmond Dantes wonderfully, but the screenplay lacked the consistency of the novel. In my opinion, 'The Count of Monte Cristo is Dumas' best work (better even than the classic "Three Musketeers") - but it's not a short story, nor an easy one to read. Dantes' plot of revenge is anything but simple, as Edmond Dantes' himself is not a simple man. One one side he is the hero who goes through a sea of injustice and breaks out free. But he also has a darker side - he doesn't just prove his innocence and punishes the ones who threw him in the Chateau d'If - he destroys them completely (and not necessarily by killing them). However, the book is not just about escaping or revenge - it is also about redemption. With the help of Haydee and the other good people around him, he understands the tragic consequences of his acts and stops before he loses what is left of his humanity. None of the adaptations for the big or small screens reach this degree of complexity. Most screenwriters settle the story with Edmond and Mercedes living happily ever after. In my opinion, much as I would wish it, this cannot happen. Edmond and Mercedes have changed too much during the story to be able to continue where they left off before Edmond is arrested. So with most adaptations, many of the interesting parts of Edmond's story are left out because it would be the simplest thing to do. Characters like Haydee, the Morrel family or Valentine are written-out as if they never existed and the final version we see on the screen is just a sum of some main plot points: guy loves girl, goes to jail and loses girl, escapes and punishes the bad guys and marries the girl. The End. It's obvious that just one movie is not enough to do this book justice, so I'm waiting for the day when a mini-series will be made which will include... well... everything! Not sure who would be best to play Edmond, Villefort, Danglars, Mondego, Abbe Faria or the others, but I'm sure the right actors are out there. :)

I finished the book Friday and watched the movie starring James Caviezel Saturday. My daughter has not read the book and she absolutely loved the movie while I was very disappointed. I agree with you that a mini-series would be the best way to do the story justice. I did love the little Abbe Faria in the movie though.

This was one of the best books I have ever read. I enjoyed the story of Edmond Dante's and how he perfectly managed to take revenge on his enemies while helping those he loved. I can't believe how long the book was but it kept me so interested. It reminded me of the movie "The Sting" because the con games involving the Count and his other characters, ie Father Bisconi, Lord Wilmore, Sinbad the Sailor, etc lead to perfect revenge against those who were responsible for putting him in prison for fourteen years. The only part of the story that upset me was the end. I thought Mercedes and Edmond would end up together. The last movie made was totally wrong. This book was written so long ago but M. Dumas kept me thrilled.

I loved this book; it was possibly one of the best 19th century books I'd ever read, and the language was easy to digest even though it was written so long ago.

I think a series based on this novel, if done right, would feel a lot like ABC's show Revenge, which basically has the same premise. (If you're waiting for a Count of Monte Cristo mini-series, give Revenge a go. The writers said the book inspired them to make it.)

Finally finished this book!! I saw the movie years ago with Richard Chamberlain, it always remained one of my movie favourites but when I started reading I never imagined i was in for such an amazing literary ride. At times it was a bit difficult to keep track of characters and i tended to drift off in some of the preamble. Having said that though, I just loved the history and sense of place Dumas evoked. His discription of characters, costumes and scenery of landscape and luxurious lifestyles, gave a feeling of watching a lavish drama production or Opera. Reference to Painters, music and Operas are wonderful! I found myself researching all manner of things throughout the book. It was very romantic, as per the era it was written and so fanciful as to be unbelievable! But hey how we fantasize that life could some times be so. This is a great read!!!

I am on Chapter 12 and I am really enjoying the book. I watched the movie years ago but I am finding out there is so much more to the book and its characters. There are some very jealous, evil players so far and I love that it hasn't been boring or dull.

I'm about half way through but I've got confused about the Villefort character. Wasn't he murdered in the garden of the Auteuil county house by Bertuccio? But then later there is a living Villefort with a father named Noirtier. Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I'm at the part where MC has briefed the Cavalcanti imposters and is about to have a gathering at the Auteuil house.

Keep reading Wanda, it'll all come together......This is now a favorite book of mine. I actually kinda missed the Count when it was all over. I love to be surprised and the best one for me was when the Count posed as a dead man thinking to dig himself out later, only to find out they buried prisoners at sea. I thought the best writing was chapter 30 when Morrel was about to kill himself. I think I held my breath for about 6 pages! I love a story with a good moral and this one did not disappoint me. Even though it ended with "wait and hope", the real moral to me was - vengeance is best left to God who will not hurt innocent people in the process and will make room for repentance and forgiveness.

Nancy, thanks for the info. There are so many characters - in two generations no less - that I was afraid I'd missed a Villefort relative and confused him with MC's Villefort.

Nancy wrote: "Keep reading Wanda, it'll all come together......This is now a favorite book of mine. I actually kinda missed the Count when it was all over. I love to be surprised and the best one for me was when..."

I'm so glad you found a new favorite!