I remember reading this book in high school, and smirking
because some idiot in class didn’t read the book and wrote a report about how
this guy Edmond really loved his Mercedes and got really mad when his
competitor took his beloved automobile away.
Moron obviously skimmed the book. Got a few names and the
fact there was a bit of a love triangle there.
But you know what? I don’t blame that kid. Not now. This
book is meandering, plodding – and a snorefest. Edmond Dantes may be a
cold-blooded revenge plotter, but right now he’s so mired in integrating
himself into Parisian society and meddling in the affairs of people ancillary
to those on whom he wants revenge, I’m ready to scream.
Yes, it’s a classic. Yes, it has survived the test of time.
And yes, the version I’m reading – the one most of us read – is less than one
third the length of the originally-published version, which is just chock full
of even more boring stuff about the Napoleonic Wars.
Just because a book is a classic doesn’t mean I have to
finish reading it. I’ve given it a good college try.
The story, of course, has always bugged me. Edmond Dantes
could have used the knowledge and fortune given to him by the Abbe for good –
but instead uses it to exact a nasty revenge. Mister Magoo does a better job
with the knowledge he gains.
No matter. I’m done reading it.
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