Group Read 3 - The Count of Monte Cristo Part 1

Though according to the (approximate) reading schedule, we're not due to discuss the first 15 chapters for about another week, I figured I'd start the thread for those who have read ahead.

Part 1 is chapters 1-15.

I read this in January but I'm excited about following the discussion here. I'm going to have pull out my book and relive some of my favorite parts. :)

I couldn't help myself... I started early because I expected Dumas' prose to be dense and difficult. How wrong could I be? The pages just fly past as we follow Edmond Dante from his betrothal feast to prison because of Danglar's evil plot.

#3 -- I think Dumas is one of the most readable classic writers out there. His work is completely designed to be titillating rather than taxing! The Three Musketeers is even more enjoyable as the themes aren't so dark as in The Count.

Like lilisin I've already read this and will be following your discussions. I loved this book and hope you all enjoy it as well!

Really enjoying this book. As sarasamsara said in post 3 it's doesn't tax the brain, it's just a great romp where the good guys are easily identifiable and you just know the bad guys, whilst they may be prospering now, will get theirs at the hand of Edmond Dantes.

Edmond's character development after so long imprisoned is interesting as he progresses (descends) from a naive, unsophisticated, simple youth to a man hell bent on revenge for the wrongs done to him.

I've now read past the 15 chapters allotted for this thread so I won't say anything more for fear of spoilers. Should I start the thread for the next section or will you do it RebeccaAnn.

>6 socialpages:: *looks ashamed*

I'm only about seven chapters into the book (though I plan on catching up this weekend - stupid homework!) so why don't you go ahead and start the next thread.

*hunts around for her copy so she can catch up*

Just finished the first fifteen chapters!

I must say, so far I am loving this book! Just wish I had more time to read it. :(

It's really quite heartbreaking to read the mental deterioration of Dantes. I'm a bit confused about how Villefort is furthering his ambition by condemning Dantes. I understand his father is actually the Napolean conspirator, but it seemed he was making some sort of profit through Dantes's imprisonment. Is it just he got a better job because he warned Louis XVIII and that's how he's making more money or is there more to it? Anyone know?

8 -

Villefort condemned Dantes to cover up the fact that his father was a conspirator. Because if people found out, Villefort's reputation would also be tarnished and his career ruined.

>9 lilisin:: See, I got that part. It just seemed like, and maybe I just read too much into it, that he was literally going to make money by sending Dantes to prison. I know the main reason was to save face, but there was a remark in my book along the lines of him being able to fulfill his ambitions by sending Dantes to prison. Is he actually making some sort of profit from this or did he get a better job under the king?

Well, he ended up stating that Dantes was the conspirator and thus by turning in a traitor, yes, that does put him in better favor in the eyes of the king. Since I read the first volume last November I can't think of the exact words but he does indeed find fortune for turning Dantes in and does get promoted.

And so it's easier to go from thread to thread without having to read the barage of thread titles in this group here's the link to Part 2 of this discussion.

>11 lilisin:: Thanks! That's kind of what I figured went on but it's great to have it clarified.

I started this recently and have just passed the 15 chapter mark.

Riveting stuff so far, must stop typing now and go back to the book!