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The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss - 4* - My Review

Biography of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas (called Alex Dumas), father of the famous author Alexandre Dumas, and the inspiration for the protagonist of The Count of Monte Cristo. Alex Dumas was born in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (today’s Haiti) to a French father and black enslaved mother. He joined the French Army as a soldier and rose rapidly through the ranks, eventually attaining the rank of General. He was a natural leader, a man of integrity who knew how to win the hearts and minds of his troops. This book also relates the advancements in civil rights under the new French government, which unfortunately did not last but was ahead of its time. The narrative non-fiction covers Alex Dumas’s personal story against the backdrop of the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars.

This book is well-researched and well-written. The author excels at describing Alex Dumas, giving the reader a good idea of what he was like as a person. He was physically substantial, well-liked by his men, courageous, and merciful to opponents. He set a good example for others to follow. The events are told in chronological order and describe Dumas’s many postings, as well as Napoleon’s role in his downfall. Alex Dumas was captured by anti-French forces and spent several years imprisoned in a remote area of Italy. His wife wrote numerous letters to influential people to try to find where he was being held and to get him released. This part of his life is articulated in The Count of Monte Cristo, and Reiss does an excellent job of delineating what parts were based on fact versus what was embellished or changed. I enjoyed reading this account of a lesser-known person in history. I found it inspirational, educational, and entertaining.

As a big fan of the writer Alexandre Dumas, son of the general, I found this fascinating. He became Napoleon's right-hand man, feared by his enemies. When this tall, strong, dynamic man returned home, he was broken in body and spirit and didn't live much longer. His son always hero worshipped him and based some of his heroes on the stories and his imaginings about his father.

Robin P wrote: "As a big fan of the writer Alexandre Dumas, son of the general, I found this fascinating. He became Napoleon's right-hand man, feared by his enemies. When this tall, strong, dynamic m..."
Yes, it was fascinating. There are many references to Alexandre Dumas's books and what was based on his father. Part of his father's decline was falling out of favor with Napoleon, and part due to the changes in laws requiring separation of the races. I recommend this one, especially to fans of the author Dumas.