How to Read The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

[@jp1170]

Im just over 200 pages into the Robin Buss translation and its tremendous. For years and years I was almost exclusively a non fiction reader (history, biography mostly) but for the last couple years or so ive been ticking off all of the “classics”. Im so happy I found The Count of Monte Cristo.

[@mawalir937]

Same here, switched from non-fiction to fiction. My language writing skills and vocabulary were degrading.

[@floristijdink2513]

Same here! Any other classics worth recommending?

[@jp1170]

@@mawalir937 the best non-fiction writers have no problem keeping your vocabulary skills greased!

[@jp1170]

@@floristijdink2513 im reading The Brothers Karamazov and Wuthering Heights right now as well. Very very good

[@matthewturner2803]

@@jp1170 Gibbon certainly expands your vocabulary.

[@brianhaas1154]

"Even though it's over 1200 pages, we don't want the story to end." Facts!!

[@pascalrouen]

Just finished this novel for the first time, and it is now arguably my favorite novel ever written. An indisputable masterpiece of the highest caliber. Highly recommended to every single person. Do not let the length scare you, as you will actually wish it had another 1,200 pages to continue the story by the time you finish. This book became like a dear friend to me, and I began to savor every chapter - its characters became as real as the people in my life. Every detail is put to great use, and not one detail is out of place. The middle section of the book may seem slow at times, but know that every detail is there for a specific reason that will be made evident in the finale - the final 400 pages roar to life like an unstoppable locomotive barrelling down the tracks with increasing speed. This novel has everything you could possibly imagine, and more - crime, murder, theft, death, life, soaring ecstasy, immovable sorrow, endless adventure, allegory and allusion - especially to Christ and the Bible, mystery, hope, and love. It is the human experience of the roller coaster of life summed up in 1,243 pages. Read the full unabridged Penguin edition translated by Robin Buss. You won't regret it.

[@IAMYOU-.]

❤

[@thomaslowry7079]

Time erases and filters what we read in childhood. All I can remember from my first reading of the Count of Monte Cristo in junior high school is being very inspired by the idea that prison could actually provide a time and place to read and study and improve oneself despite all the hardships. I remember really thinking about what I would do if I were to ever find myself in prison with lots of time on my hands. I can't wait to read The Count of Monte Cristo again to find out how it affects me sixty years after that long ago first reading!

[@jaye2491]

The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky is my favourite novel ever, but depending on my mood at the time, The Count of Monte Cristo is often my second favourite. It's just the perfect adventure, and you just want to keep reading it! Absolutely love the channel like usual mate, you do a great service for many lovers of the classics 😎

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Beautiful choices for your favourite novels, my friend! I'm so with you on Dumas' story being the perfect adventure. And thank you so much for your kind words and for watching! I really appreciate you 🙏😊

[@ProfessorBopper]

Growing up, I loved the 2003 movie, and picked the novel up as an independent reading book in sophomore English class. Despite dyslexia, I devoured the book in two weeks. Reading The Count of Monte Cristo and Murakami’s After Dark back-to-back for that class is what made me love literature. I don’t know which translation I read, but I’m kinda hoping it’s the older one so I can read the Buss translation and love the novel even more!

[@wolfram785]

Sir, I came to know abt you through YT but I accidentally fell into your Quora account as well and read your answers which you wrote long ago. Loved them(just how optimistic they were that the best fact behind a Literary Connoisseur was such a positive man😭.) I have the least liking for YT but now I watch your superbly explained videos extending my screen time. Especially your "How To Read". I wish I knew that before reading Crime And Punishment And Great ExpectI. Love them all! Also, I saw your blog and saw an article on "How To Read Bhagavad Gita". The fact that your literary interests are so wide-ranged enthralled me (plus I'm a Hindu so it kinda made me happy too that you are cognizant of it). , I've always felt that Indian literature and all have been always underestimated by the world. The Panchtantra Tales, Hitopadesha, works of Kalidas, Rabindranath Tagore(Nobel laureate!) etc are too much neglected. And sir, I would also love to know your top (5, 7 or 10) favourite authors and your favourite work of theirs in a video if you can 😄. I hope I don't sound like an immature boy but I feel so overwhelmed when I see relatable, understandable and humble literary geeks. Lots of Appreciation and Admiration for what you are doing, sir 🖤🤌✨

[@janmariolle]

Beautiful comment. Thanks for dropping some suggestions of great Indian writing. You may enjoy the Hardcore Literature book club. I joined after watching Benjamin’s YT videos. I felt a kindred spirit and decided to take a chance and joined in. Benjamin’s lectures are very thoughtful and inspiring. There are some throughly well read people in the group, and others like me who are not scholars, working folks, finally with a bit of free time to challenge the mind with new ideas, or simply love a great story. I cherish the range of comments which pop up after a lecture. If you enjoy the YT videos, you will love the lectures at the book club.😢

[@christyleskovar4384]

Fabulous book. Read it years ago. Late nights. Hard to put it down. Just one more chapter, then another, then another…

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I completely relate to that!

[@MilesWilliams88]

I've had a copy sitting on my shelf for a few years. I really need to read it. I've heard basically nothing but great things about it. It was my Grandfather's favorite book.

[@kviknayt]

Man i missed your channel so much, I've probably seen every video of yours + most episodes of the podcast I'd just like to thank you for your Ulysses video (and everything else), it helped me so much. I learned to be humble towards the book and not expect to understand everything, and I think I'm in a lifetime commitment with Joyce now. I've just finished Oxen of the Sun, which was by far the hardest but absurdly brilliant. It's my favorite book of all time already.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That is so kind of you to say. Thank you so much :) I really appreciate you watching and listening, my friend. And I’m so happy that you’ve fallen so deeply in love with Ulysses. Joyce’s masterpiece is a lifelong journey for me too. Truly an inexhaustible work right there!

[@sk8linz121]

Please take this as a compliment: I'd absolutely LOVE more frequent content from you! Both on your podcast and here on YT. I'm a huge fan, and always love hearing about great classic novels/ reading strategies, etc. No one talks about it like you do! Keep up the great work

[@paladin1726]

“If the thing were to do again, I would again do it”. It’s a masterful use of the English language, so much more beautiful than the modern usage. IMO with the anonymous version, you’re treated to far greater beauty in the turn of a phrase. More so, the manners expressed at that period of time, while they may be dated today, would’ve been accurate then. So why would you not want accuracy? It was the dialogue, just as much as the story, if not more so, that made me fall in love with the Count of Monte Cristo, and consider it, along with Pride and Prejudice, among my favorite books. Probably my favorite book.

[@evasliteraryparlour]

I started this novel today, and I haven’t been able to put it down. It’s so addictive! Your comments about the translations are very pertinent. I’m not a native French speaker, but I’m reading this book in French, and the style is very accessible for the reader. The vocabulary and prose style are simple. I wouldn’t go with an archaic translation if I were to read it in English. Enjoy the book!

[@librarianontheloose]

Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite books and I reread it a lot. I honestly think Dumas was one of the greats when it came to episodic fiction. He would have had a great time writing tv series in the modern day and they would have been good. I reread Monte Cristo every couple of years.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That’s so true! My goodness, we would truly have some cracking good television if Dumas was alive and writing today!

[@quickstep145]

It's good to see you back Benjamin. I want to thank you for getting me into reading again. I went through some difficult times and could not even open a book. The Count of Monte Cristo, a classic that I would definitely enjoy reading. 🙏.

[@patcounts867]

Just started reading The Count of Monte Cristo on a serialized schedule. It’s a perfect fit with my work schedule and gives me time to read other things as well. Thanks for the insights!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's so awesome! The story is even more powerful when you follow the original serialised publication schedule. Happy reading, my friend! :)

[@readlikeaman]

Dude! I literally just finished this book a month ago but after watching this video I’m about to throw out my current reading plans and just start it again! ;P Exceptional job as always my man! My favorite part of this recent read was sharing it with my wife. We had so many great discussion during the course of reading and were both enamored with how engaging the story was and how you truly don’t ever want it to end. I read the Robin Buss translation (Amazing!) and it was the shortest 1,200 pages I’ve ever delved into. Also, one of the coolest things I’ve encountered since then was in the book Do Hard Things by Steve Magness. He mentions something called Post Traumatic Growth Syndrome (PTGS) which is the opposite of PTSD and this idea that truly traumatic things (ie. Being imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit!) can actually be catalysts to foundational transformation in our lives and end up changing us into something far greater than we could have ever become without the disguised blessing of the challenge. Absolutely great reminder that no matter how bad the circumstances are, your mindset and response ultimately determine whether they break you or make you into something greater.

[@stuart2010ification]

Roughly how long did iy take to read the whole book?

[@readlikeaman]

@@stuart2010ification just about five weeks. Maybe could have gone a little faster but I was reading and discussing with my wife along the way so we tried to stay pretty neck and neck with where we were at in the story to avoid spoilers :)

[@rachelbrown9816]

Started this as part of hardcore lit club and wow - this book is completely enthralling. What a read so far ❤❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy you're enjoying it so much :) It really is captivating, isn't it? I'm absolutely loving our read-through of it together ☺️

[@rozaganser3016]

I have dyslexia and never thought I could read such a great book. I am about half way through and loving it. Your videos are an inspiration to me. Thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Roza! I'm so happy to hear that. That's amazing! You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishment!! 🙏☺️

[@rodicacretu1030]

Dumas, the father, is a master of suspence. I am 1/5th in the book, and I admire the way he recounts, as in a spiral, past events, the elegant way in which he frazes a sentance in order to use the past of the subjunctive, the fact that he describes the face's features and cloths only of the important characters. Thank you for making the list of the 50 books, the must read ones.

[@brodiiie]

As a 19 year old reading this for the first time i was honestly quite struck by the line that mentions that Dantès enters prison at 19 and escapes at 33. I had to pause for a minute and really think about that, it was honestly kind of terrifying to think about. Also I’m only about 250 pages in and I’m loving it!

[@Giraffe27]

I first read this when I was 19 and now I’m reading it again at 27. It’s so wild to think that Ed has been imprisoned this whole time

[@kimbarbeaureads]

I am much older than you, but I think that is the perfect age to read it. I don't know if I would have appreciated it when I was your age though. You are ahead of me. 😂

[@paladin1726]

The best book I’ve ever read. It will keep getting better

[@samidalao3071]

One of my favorite books of all time. Don't be intimidated by its gargantuan size, it's worth the effort. By the way, Robin Buss' translation was immensely enjoyable.

[@johnmooney9403]

Excellent review of The Count of monte Cristo. I read this novel last year it is a truly a magnificent work of literature. Thanks for the analysis Benjamin.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much :) I'm thrilled you loved it so much!

[@pavithrasrinivasan4459]

After seeing this video, I could not wait to re-read this book. “Live! Because the day will come when you will be happy and bless life.” These words by Count to Morrel from the book has been of huge importance to me personally. I recite it often. Only some books can touch you and make a big impact on you, this book is one such.

[@samaafaiz6523]

You provide such a rich and real feedback for us at which help our picks to improve it goes without saying that reading not only evolve our comprehension, but also broaden our writing patten rather than stuck to just simple styles jot down notes or complex structure quite beneficial .Thanks for this overview keep going I'm looking forward to anew videos about different books.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend! I really appreciate that 🙏☺️

[@philipmason5547]

The Robin Buss translation was what I read a few years ago, and it was incredible, perhaps the finest book I read that whole year. It gave me a deep love for Alexandre Dumas. I also really enjoyed his introduction. But the Oxford translation’s antiquated character was pretty pleasant, reads beautifully, and I wonder if it’s more true to the original.

[@rmwtsou]

English is my second language and I am now 60% into the English translated volume. I first read the book during my youth in Taiwan, in a Chinese translation meant for young readers and it was one of the most memorable story that I have ever read. Now I am reading it again, in English, at age 71 and it is just as good as I remembered. Alas, it is still not in the original French. Perhaps in the next lifetime...

[@habitshare]

Love Duma's Three Musketeers so The Count of Monte Cristo was on my next to read list for quiet some time. Your video made me actually start it. Had no idea its more of an adventure kind of tale, but I guess all his books has some kind of adventure in them. :-)

[@Edvard.os.v2]

I read this great book 6 years ago and it really impressed me. I consider it among my favorite’s classic books along with the works of Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. The publisher of the book I read is “Modern Library” and it has 1462 pages, not sure how it compares to the Penguin publication that Benjamin recommends, but I thought the translation was quite good. I recently came across Benjamin’s You Tube channel, have watched a few videos and have found them very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@Joseph_Mineo]

I just recently finished reading Monte Cristo (in the Buss translation) and, although it took me a very long time, it has become one of those books that are near and dear to me. The character of the Count of Monte Cristo has become one of my favorites and I reckon anyone who reads this work will understand why (provided you have the time to dedicate to this absolute brick).

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled to hear that. The Count of Monte Cristo is a personal favourite character of mine too. I think this is a book that can be life-changing for many people, especially anyone going through a difficult, formative period!

[@CurtRowlett]

Your channel should be required viewing for anyone who loves books and reading. You inspire me to want to read more and to reread old favorites. Thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Curt. That is so incredibly lovely of you to say. You have completely made my day 😊 🙏

[@paultaylor1814]

This is a great book, very different from the 2 movie adaptations of it that I've seen, one with Richard Chamberlain as Edmund and the other with James Caviezel as Edmund and Henry Cavill as Mercedes's son.

[@shafiahmed2976]

sword fights - intrigue - vengeance - love and betrayal name a thing - you will find it here - you will find yourself in the surroundings of avenue des champs elysees - Pere lachaise and in the company of bandit Luigi vampa and peppino - the book starts with Edmond dantes and ends with Edmond dantes

[@joycehorstmann2634]

As a high school English teacher, I found great pleasure in teaching this, my favorite novel, for over 20 years. Incredible characters! Wonderful plots, sub-plots, and sub-sub-plots! Life lesson after theme after life lesson after theme, etc., etc. . . ! Twist after turn after twist after turn! I BEGGED my students to not watch any of the movies or read ahead of our daily assignments. Many couldn’t stop themselves. I got such a kick out of looking up to see uneasy teenagers standing at my desk right before class started,, guiltily grasping their copies and confessing in low tones, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t stop reading. I finished the whole book last night.” They knew what my scowl meant. “Don’t worry, Mrs. H. I promise I won’t tell anybody what happens to--“ And they would name off two, or four, or six or more important characters. And they kept their promises, not wanting to ruin the mystery, surprises, and shocks they knew their classmates were in for. ***My favorite book and my favorite teaching memories. 🤩❤️

[@andreluissoriano]

I just finished reading this! And as usual with literature I go to your video of it to know all the surrounding things about the book. Marvelous and thanks for the vid, as always! I really enjoyed the book. I felt the power. I may not be as emotionally drawn into it as I expected, but it doesn't change the fact that this book is epic and will always be a classic.

[@kevindavis3234]

Timely! I just finished a reread of this one! I went on a Dumas kick in the 8th grade, but I haven't reread anything aside from 'The Three Musketeers' since then. I remember enjoying the story, but it's so much more complicated than I remember. Shades of Hamlet, The Odyssey, and (of course) Sinbad. Reading it as an adult, it really did feel like I was reading it for the first time. I'm sure I'll be revisiting it again at some point.

[@lesterstone8595]

I think you would enjoy reading The Black Tulip which is also by Dumas. It's shorter and also deals with revenge. I love it as much as the Count of Montecristo.

[@kevindavis3234]

@@lesterstone8595 Hey, thank you! I've never read it (and maybe never even heard of it). I will definitely check it out, though. Appreciate the recommendation!

[@marianapgar4409]

You have read my mind - I have the book sitting right here (the unabridged Penguin Classics paperback) - it's part of my upcoming reads. This video of yours will serve as the perfect complement to my reading experience. Thank you so much, Ben!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I’m thrilled that you have the unabridged version sitting right there! You’re in for a wonderful adventure :) I’d love to know what you make of it!

[@marianapgar4409]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I certainly will let you know! :-)

[@lizgonzalez491]

I read it last year. I loved it! I had to read The Three Musketeers afterwards.

[@AlanDantes76]

This is a sublimely informative video. The Count of Monte Cristo is my favorite book, but I've only read the more traditional translation. I'm eager to read the translation you mentioned and will be doing it forthwith! Thanks for this in depth video on a true classic of literature.

[@AdamMalster]

What a well-timed video. I have been listening to this for my morning commute for the past few months. I'm about two third's through. I've decided to take a bit of a break because I have a long vacation coming up when I am travelling a lot. I could keep listening through that time but I find that my reading works better if there is a physical location for each text (car, bedroom, the park outside work...) and a break feels correct at the moment. However, when I go back to this, your video will help me do so more inspired and with more knowledge.

[@thelaurels13]

First. I just viewed your channel to see if any new videos had been uploaded and wasn’t disappointed. Thanks, Ben. The Count of Monte Cristo is next for me after I’ve finished Anna Karenina, which I’m absolutely loving. 🙌

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Amazing timing! I’m so thrilled you’re loving Anna Karenina so much. I’m definitely due for a reread myself. And I can’t wait to hear what you make of The Count of Monte Cristo! ☺️

[@guillermomedina7793]

Just finished this excellent novel. Unbelievable! What a wonderful experience. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Ben.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Congratulations on finishing it, Guillermo! I'm so happy you loved it so much! :)

[@Messihaz]

Benji covering my favorite book of all time. Truly made my day

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much for watching, my friend :) I'm so thrilled that this is your favourite!

[@mangalapalliv]

The enduring quality of 'The Count of Monte Cristo' does not lie in its absorbing swashbuckle or its theme of good winning over evil. It lies in how well Dumas weaves his observations of French society of his times, its politics, history and his own views on human nature into the vast narrative and in doing so elevates it to a human universal. I have begun to get an understanding of why people lapped it up as a serial and waited eagerly for the magazine in which it was published. It is not only entertaining but also takes one on a reading high.

[@brodylockwood14]

I have never read this book and after hearing so much about it I think I'm going to give it a go. It'd be my first true classic book.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

[@NeonRadarMusic]

Bought my copy a few weeks ago and I'm certainly excited to read it now. Great video as always. I've always wanted to know, have you ever acted in any form? Your voice modulation while reading out these books is spectacular.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that! I would love to know what you make of it :) And thank you so much for the kind words! You've absolutely made my day. I did a little bit of acting school a very long time ago, but I've been doing podcasts for a good few years now so I've managed to get a fair bit of reading practice in. It's a dream of mine to do some narrations of classic literature in the future!

[@NeonRadarMusic]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy You absolutely should. I'd love to hear them.

[@DanExploresBooks]

A top 5 book of all time for me. I remember going to a movie of it after and absolutely was repulsed by what they did with this amazing book. I love the first quarter of it and think it should be enough for people to know if it is for them or not. I can't sing enough praises for this book.

[@JGR27]

Glad to find this video. The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorites and I first read it in my 20's (I am now in my 70's) and couldn't put it down. My own personal copy is a 4-volume set that's quite old and I've gone through it a few times. Your video convinced me to get a copy I'll feel comfortable writing and underlining -- has to be unabridged, though. The abridged version I borrowed from the library left too many things out that I loved.

[@avivd8905]

I cannot believe it I started reading it yesterday (for the first time, have no idea what it is about nor what to expact) and I just stumbled upon this video unexpectedly (I am a subscriber for a year but didn't notice you uploded the video). What a perfect timing! Cannot wait to read it, it's probably going to take me a while (only 2% in so far, reading it on my e-book reader), but I have been wanting to read it for years (btw sorry for my English).

[@ahnmensch3115]

I've always had a very different experience with this novel compared to others; as you said, some people see it even as children's literature! I cannot relate to that thought. To me, the tragic life of Edmond Dantes deals deeply with the human condition and all the surrounding characters offer lots and lots of insight into how people deal with existence. It's so much more than just an adventure story that kids can enjoy.

[@thefool8750]

I’m just starting the book myself, I happened upon a copy in a charity shop so I had no choice of translation but so far I’ve been enjoying it! I’m only on chapter V, but it’s been fun so far! I hope I won’t miss out on too much from not reading the Buss version, but I’m confident that greatness will transcend translation and I’ll still have a blast!

[@dragoon3266]

I’ve never complained about any of the books I was required to read in high school, but I gotta thank my lucky stars that my ninth grade English class had this on the required reading list because I fell in love with it the first time I read it! I’ve been itching to read it again, going to see about picking up the Robin Buss translation because even though I love the kind of stilted dialogue of the older translations, it can be a bit tricky sometimes. I also have to agree, the passage about Providence between the Count and Villefort is one of my favorites! It has all the flair and dramatic irony of a villain revealing himself to the hero (or perhaps a hero revealing himself to the villain?) in a way that the reader will understand, but the characters will not.

[@rizzyknows]

I read this book when I was 25 for the first time and even do this day this is the best book I have ever read.

[@katm8128]

What timing! I was just about to start this and I see this video. Thank you so much

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching :) I'd love to know what you make of this great book!

[@colinjbanks]

Thanks for the recommendation, Benjamin. On chapter 5. The plot is all coming to place and also the likely reason for the book being mentioned in the film The Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne was wrongfully imprisoned due to the murder of his wife. Many parallels including a prison escape.

[@RichPal_]

I also have just started this book the other day, better than I expected. What timing !

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Nice one! Fantastic timing. I’m so happy you’re enjoying it :)

[@Kiki-zu9ip]

Your videos motivate me to read more classics. I recently purchased The Tale of Genji, the newest translation into modern Japanese by Mitsuyo Kakuta (Japanese is my native language), and am looking forward to start reading that. Have you finished reading it? I remember you mentioning before that you were reading 1 chapter/mo or something like that. I just added the Robin Buss translation of The Count of Monte Cristo to my wishlist. I'm a slow reader especially in English but I will get to it!

[@Handy_Manny-lw1ub]

I just picked up a copy of the Buss translation. I cannot wait to tear through this adventure

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Happy reading, my friend. I hope you love it!

[@bryanbelshaw7725]

I'm glad i watched the classic film first because it made me love the book even more, especially the penguin edition, which was more complex and satisfying. I couldn't put it down. I devoured it. I bought the beautiful folio edition many years ago and it sits very proudly on my bookshelf.

[@SchizoaffectedGamer2112]

I started reading a little late, actually. I just read Don Quixote, In Search of Lost Time, House Of Leaves, and now on to The Count Of Monte Cristo.

[@Gorenovas]

Hi, I am reading my first English book, while learning the language with the Count of Monte Cristo. I hava read it so many times in Spanish that I almost know the dialogues of the story. I was watching your video about your book edition recommendation,and is the same Penguin&Robin Buss and that gave me some tranquility about my choice about the book. All this because it is not so easy to find the book en English, unless in latioamerica countries where I have been.

[@Whatever_Happy_People]

Hullo Ben I have just finished the hunchback of Notre Dame brilliant book. Peace and happy reading to you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Congratulations on finishing! Fantastic book :) Peace and happy reading to you too🙏😊

[@carlatate7678]

I bought this book in a charity shop today solely because of you! I've already read Moby Dick this year, I thought that would be my longest novel this year...

[@vuvuzela691]

I'd love for you to do a video on your opinions of the Booker prize winners of the past 10-15 years!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I've actually been wanting to do that for a while! :)

[@sadsack8319]

Simply the greatest novel I've ever read. There is too much to describe. One month of my life, I will cherish forever. Whoever has read this knows.

[@jaxorz]

what a fantastic video. i put the buss translation down after around 600 pages a few years ago and i am now ~700 pages through a reread, it only gets better with time. many small moments at the beginning of the story are contextualized by later events, most likely owed to dumas’ original intention to have the novel begin at what is now chapter 31. that does bring up an interesting point though, i wonder if the story would be ‘better’ if he adhered to that initial plan? i think there is an argument to be made that the reader not knowing the count’s backstory during his introduction in paris could possibly make the payoff a little more impactful, but i still love the way it was written. one thing that i don’t love is how lost i can get in the weeds of french history, so many allusions are completely lost on me and i have a very rudimentary understanding of even the largest world events in the early 19th century. almost any time dumas name drops a writer from antiquity i just chalk it up as a loss because i don’t have time to research every small reference in this behemoth 😂

[@neverbored]

I read this book 5 times (in russian). Planning to read it in English for the first time. Thank you for tips on translation.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's so cool! I hope you enjoy your first read of the English version! I'd love to know how it translates into Russian!

[@sbonventure]

I read the first 14 chapters of anonymous, then saw your video on the topic of translation, and, in agreement with your assessment of passages, started reading the Robin Buss version. Way better. Smoother dialogue. Fewer passages of choppy confusion to be mentally rehearsed for understanding. Makes more sense. Even subtle differences in the way dialogue is presented, the use of “he chuckled” can really change how you feel about the perspective of the character and your affection toward them. I’m not saying the anonymous translation was bad, and some may prefer that sort of stilt (even though I think the Penguin feels more accurate to what was intended), I was still loving the book, either way. Anyway, never thought much about translation differences in literary fiction, but I much prefer and enjoy the Penguin translation you’ve suggested here. Now I’m wondering if Camus’ “The Stranger” has a more colorful translation, a great favorite of mine. I’ll have to check into that. Thanks for the excellent advice!

[@BarefootContessa72]

Reading this currently and really enjoying it

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I’m so happy to hear that! :)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

@@kaiftintoiwala6414It’s not too difficult :)

[@graceyao2838]

really love the pictures and photos you choose and show, thankyou

[@MasterMote]

man do you do voice narrations for entire books? cuz if you did id definitely listen, you have a great voice and are great at narrating. probably doesnt hurt that you're very familiar with the material(obviously im understating that)

[@Roland96351]

I'm about half way through and it is exquisite, fascinating, and terrifying.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm thrilled you're enjoying it!

[@mangalapalliv]

Thanks a lot for including this book in the 2023 reading list. Robin Buss's translation is fabulous. Enjoying myself !! A request: Would like to read Three Musketeers after this ... what would the recommended translation be for that book....?

[@marcbodow3178]

I finished reading this great work several months ago. Readers beware! You might well find yourself neglecting what you ought to be doing while immersing yourself. This read is truly an addiction.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so with you there! Fiendishly addictive stuff :)

[@marcbodow3178]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank you for your kind comment. I love your site. I just wish that I had more time to read. I am overwhelmed with my work as a forensic physician.

[@shilohpeterson5307]

One of the best books ever! Was intimidated when I started it but by the end it felt too short

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I completely agree!! :)

[@littlefelix]

One day I watched the 2002 adaptation of the book. But I turned it off after Edmond got out of prison. It was the first time I knew about the story, and I was so captivated I wanted to read the book to enjoy it more. When I was young, I bought a newspaper (for teens) every month, so I could read short stories and chapters of thriller books written by young writers. I almost forgot that burning excitement these days. This book wasn't in my reading plan for 2023 but from what I saw in the movie, I thought it would be a perfect book for me to return to the serialized form (I bought myself the Penguin Classics copy a while ago). Thank you for the guidance, Ben. I'll ask my friends to buddy-read with me. Can't wait to explore it!

[@LeeRichardson808]

I happened upon the a very new Penguin Classics copy at Goodwill for 2 bucks yesterday. Came here to get my bearings. Thanks so much!!

[@imisstokyo]

I love this video and your way of explaining! I can speak some French can you suggest me which is the best original version to read?

[@RidleyJones]

I think a good director and writer could do an amazing modernized take on this, as a gritty urban thriller movie with Edmond as the revenge-seeking antihero. It's such a timeless story.

[@paladin1726]

I watched the Guy Pierce movie and it made me not interested in reading the book. It was the Orson Welles Mercury Theater adaptation that renewed my interest. Since reading, I’ve looked for movie and serial adaptations and there are none that capture the true essence. Most seem loosely based, and I think with Monte Cristo, Dumas doesn’t insert anything that isn’t necessary. There’s one series that almost comes close enough to nearly satisfy, but falls way short.

[@medsm3113]

I just finished it using the Oxford world's classics bc I couldnt find the other one...but if I ever reread it, I'll do it using the Robert Buss translation! I enjoyed it anyway. Read it with two friend over 2 months ~ we started at the begining of August and finished yesterday :D having with whom to discuss, surely helped.

[@abhradas6433]

Will surely give this novel a read. However can you please recommend the best translation of Kafka's works???

[@milkawickramasinghe164]

I had read half of the book and stopped for a while because it's so big. Thanks for the motivation to restart my reading of this book.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching :) I hope you enjoy it!

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I'm rereading it, but I forgot you were planning on reading it for the Hardcore Literature book club. I loved the 2002 adaptation with Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce. Listening to an audio book version helped me read it the first time.

[@deadpoet9392]

I'm reading it and it's an amazing novel ❤❤❤I'm in loveeee

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I’m so thrilled you’re loving it! ☺️

[@deadpoet9392]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thanks 🙏 how can I join your book club?

[@vernongrayson9019]

Reading this now. A huge story but loving it. The right translation is import

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled you're loving it! Such a phenomenal story!

[@severianthefool7233]

You’re the man, Ben. I’m reading Moby Dick atm and rereading Blood Meridian, and sprinkling in Keats on the side. All of which are very much inspired by you and your channel. Was very sad to hear that Cormac passed away Did you ever read the Gormenghast books?

[@theemeraldingot6327]

Quite possible the biggest coincidence in all my time online, but my order for the Count of Monte Cristo arrived not but two days ago, and I’m currently on page 83. I had no idea you were going to drop this video, but I’m not at all complaining!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That is a fantastic coincidence! You must be enjoying it if you’re already over eighty pages in! ☺️

[@ManuelaK-ec3rm]

Thanks for your awesome bookreviews! This comment is intended for people who prefer to read in Dutch (I prefer to read a good Dutch translation, because I am Dutch). I would like to share which translation I chose: De graaf van Monte Cristo - vertaald door Jan H. Mysjkin. This translation makes the book the page-turner it should be.

[@VictorAugustus]

Great video! on Dumas' father I really recommend the History Dose video - Napoleon and the Legendary Black General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas.

[@FranklyItsMe]

I’m loving Briggs ed. of War & Peace and was worried I’d be setting myself up with going straight for all things Penguin Black Classics. But I’m so happy for this video. It solidifies my choice. I don’t know which translation I read the first two times but I’m so excited to read it again.

[@richardfairley9882]

Might I recommend reading this back-to-back with Dosteovsky's 'Crime and Punishment'? Thus contrasting a tale of an innocent man with that of a guilty man...

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That would make for a truly profound pairing! Fantastic advice!

[@paulwalker2133]

Do you have a preferred or recommended translation of the Three Musketeers?

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I love Richard Pevear's translation :)

[@akilireynolds5082]

i'm a reading this right now .i was looking for videos that would help me understand the history during it time.strange coincidence.

[@brentwilliamson8642]

I relate deeply to the remark that we know a work has touched us significantly when we are sad when it ends. So far this year, I felt that way at the end of W&P. I was ready for both Karamozov and Orlando to end LOL. Those will require rereads on my part. I hope not to be thrown to the lions as a Plebian when I say one of my very favorite novels is IT by Stephen King. I have read it three times and every time I cry at the end because I can't believe it's over and my time with those characters has come to an end.

[@nayankhan3799]

I really I understand what you said man. I try to read meditate by Marcus Aurelius . I had to change 5 books to find the best translation. And I enjoy the book I love your channel 💗. Damn where have u been till now haha

[@alanstamey9279]

This is my favorite book!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's awesome! It's definitely one of my favourites! Incredible work :)

[@aamnainfebruary]

That opening was so cool!!! Just 20 seconds into the video, and I already want to read the book (even though I am already struggling with Clarissa :’) )

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much :) I’m so happy to hear you’re reading Clarissa. Richardson definitely requires a fair bit of perseverance. Dumas gives us a lot more exciting action!

[@Gunsla]

I'm currently reading the Wordsworth Classics version that uses the Chapman and Hall translation. I'm about 3/4 of the way through and although I am enjoying it very much I feel slightly cheated that I didn't choose the Penguin Classics version. It did take me a few chapters in to get used to the way that dialogue between characters is often separated by a dash.

[@GilbertHorn1]

I've read The Count four times and will read it again.

[@maryamfarooq572]

Both translations sounded great to me, so now i'll read the Robin Buss one first and then the anonymous one since I already have a really old copy of the anonymous translation.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Fantastic plan! I hope you enjoy the story!