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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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 😎

“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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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. 🙏.

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

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 🖤🤌✨

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. :-)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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?

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 🤩❤️

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...

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.

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 😂

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

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.

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!!

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....?

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!

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Love your videos!

Hey Benjamin, thank you for the tips! I wanted to give you a book suggestion and if you read it then please let us know your thoughts on it. It's Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih. A sudanese writer. He has other novels as well but this is his longest and most popular. Thanks💖

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

Brilliant. Thank you so much.

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

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

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

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.

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

So happy to see this video

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.

Fantastic story about what goes around comes around.

Excellent presentation!

Does this apply to the 3 musketeers aswell? Which is the best translation of that, as in done in a similar style to robin buss rather than the archaic language?

Reading this currently and really enjoying it

@benjaminMcEvoy I’m about to start the count to Montecristo and I would love to follow along with your seven part lecture series. How do I go about doing that? I don’t see it in your Patreon page.

Read this book as a teenager. I’m quite sure I didn’t understand every bit of it, I might still miss stuff. But the excitement it gave me then remains. It felt like watching a serie where every chapter ended with a cliffhanger so you just had to keep going.

Ahhh I love The Count of Monte Cristo, read it 3 times so far. Exceptional!

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...

Thinking of starting to read Monte Cristo for the first time in not so distant future, once I am done with some Dostoyevsky novels. Regarded as a great adventure novel, I expect it to be gripping, which is something that I like a lot when it comes to reading.

What the hell i just started it, great timing

I read this book in German and it really captured the emotional impact of the story which is not often the case with german translations imo. Maybe I should reread it in English at some point to ball my eyes out? lol

The count of monte cristo is partially based on Dumas' father's life story. The Black Count by Tom Reiss covers this in detail.

i'm a third of the way through my second readthrough of the Everyman's edition. i'm enjoying just as much as the first time despite being a "poor" translation; with that being said, i can't wait to read a proper translation next time!

This is my favorite book!