“Classics are known as classics for a reason,” is an apt and true statement because I said it.
Is it great when a classic stands up in the modern-day? Of course. Most of them are great and can make for a fun read when you’re looking for a break from your usual material. Sometimes, however, a classic isn’t always a great read. It might be technically impressive, or really revolutionized its genre for its time, but it can be a real stinker to read (I will never forgive “Moby Dick” for taking a year from me).
On the other end of the spectrum, there are a handful of classics that don’t just stand up in the modern-day, but transcend the times altogether with how fantastic it is. This is the case with Alexandre Dumas’ 1846 novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.”
Edmond Dantès is falsely accused by his rivals of conspiring with the exiled Napoleon and is subsequently imprisoned for life. Following his escape, the novel depicts the steps he takes to exact his revenge against those that wronged him.
What makes “The Count of Monte Cristo” so compelling is how it conveys the story of Edmond’s revenge. After the prison escape, much of the book is actually presented from the perspective of Edmond’s rivals rather than Edmond himself. In doing so, the audience is left guessing what moments have been orchestrated by an Edmond who hides behind the scene, if some of the characters the rivals interact with are actually Edmond in disguise, and how Edmond’s schemes might coalesce.
Dumas’ writing maintains a powerful sense of mystery and tension, never talking down to the audience or holding their hand through the narrative. Key scenes are memorable, aided by characters that are complex yet ultimately human — in their ideals and contradictions.
Just please, please, please, read the abridged version. I read the abridged version, cutting about 300 pages from the original, and yet a friend of mine who read the unabridged version could not identify one moment I hadn’t also read. This is arguably the best book I have ever read, but Dumas must have been paid by the word to write those 300 extra pages if they could be cut so easily.
“Under the (Hard) Covers is an opinion column by Ethan Reisler — a published author, satirist, and journalist — reviewing modern and classic novels alike for their craft, storytelling, and general enjoyability.”