Dumas' tale has been haunting my nightstand for more than a year. With more than 1400 pages, picking up this book was a task in and of itself. I started the tale and became immediately intrigued. I enjoyed the writing style. I was amazed at the thought and detail added to the tale. However, life threw me a curveball and I had to set Dumas and his character Dantes aside for something lighter. After the turn of the year, Dantes began calling to me again, so I once again returned to Dumas' world. Even despite my long absence, I was able to fall back into the story and through the last few hundred pages I simply could not put the book down. Though this book could be used as an ultra doorstop in the midst of a tornado, it has much more worth inside the pages. In fact, it has even made my list of favorite classics AND my favorite books overall. I am just left wondering . . . What did Dumas' study look like while he was creating this story? All I envision is a room filled with cobwebs of details, walls covered in notes, and a man so enthralled in his work that nothing could disturb him.
Have you encountered The Count? How do you imagine Dumas when writing this classic?
Special Note: I did finally watch the Hollywood version of this tale starring Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce. Though it was a good movie, I was not pleased with the changes they made and as in the majority of cases, the book is so much better!
I LOVE this book, however, I've only read the abridged version! GASP! I know. I hear the real version is awesome, so here's hoping that some day....
ReplyDeleteSuey ... I have wondered about the abridged version and how they made it work to be honest! The plot details were so intricate, I keep wondering what they could actually leave out! I may have to try the abridged version someday!
DeleteSee I made the mistake of watching the movie first, and it was hard not to love with yumminess of Guy Pearce, Jim Caviezel, and a very young Henry Cavill (who just happened to be who Stephenie Meyer's had in mind as the perfect Edward, and who certainly looks good in a skirt in The Immortals... sorry what was I saying?). And then I read the book, and I liked it, but didn't love it. Then my friend Courtney of Abducted by Books was moaning about how long the book was, but how good it was and I was all like, it's not that long, don't be a whine baby. But it turns out the book I read was abridged! Gasp, the horror! I NEVER read abridged books! But I was found guilty this time, so one of these days I will re-read the book, unabridged, but I'll still be picturing the hot men of the movie. Henry Cavil might get a bump up to starring role though...
ReplyDeleteKate@Midnight Book Girl ... I have to say, I had to go and look at some more pics of Henry Cavill and I definitely think he is closer to the Edward that I imagined as well! LOL!!
DeleteBack to The Count ... I definitely recommend the unabridged version, but I am curious about the abridged version. I typically don't read them either, but my curiosity may win out on this one!
I read this book in high school and I really loved it! I think the movie actually did a pretty decent job; I like the fact that Mercedes and Edmond got together at the end, even though I kind of understand why they didn't in the book.
ReplyDeleteTasha B. ... That is the one part that I did like that was changed in the movie. I really wanted them to end up together in the end!!
DeleteThis is one that I will get to one day but probably not anytime soon ... not the least of which is that it's not one of the 200 unread books I already own. ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL! Wow do I know that feeling!! And, I just accumulated a bunch more thanks to used book sales this weekend. When you have the chance, I do recommend it, but good luck on the pile in the meantime!
DeleteI just discovered your blog and have added it to my Reader. I loved the Count when I read it last year for the first time. I had no idea it would be so good. As I usually read books set in England, it was a bit challenging to learn the geography of France, but I enjoyed every minute. I've put the rest of Dumas' works on my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteDonna ... First and foremost, welcome to the site!! I love getting new visitors!! Do you have a blog as well?
DeleteAs for Dumas ... I am definitely looking forward to reading more of his work! I hope that it is just as great as The Count!!