Guilty pleasures can be good for you.

I just finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo. And I've decided I shall buy the book.


Reasons being:
1. It was a good book!! I like!!
2. It got some mean words inside... I like!!
3. Due to the length of the story, my time disorganisation and the fact that it was a library book, I wasn't given much space to savour it properly. Plus I'm sure I missed some keypoints.
4. Since I usually did my reading late night, my brain was to wonky to do proper analysis of what I was reading.


Anyway, here be my book report thus far:


Now I understand why I've seen two instances of tv cloning of Monte Cristo (One french drama series and an anime, both of which I didn't bother to watch, only the anime had catchy ending song).


The unfolding of events is quite fantastic, mainly because the author gives few but significant hints that nearly every event has been pre-empted, calculated and manipulated with near impossible detail by our enigmatic Count. Down to the very second.


However, patience is something you'll need for the first half of the book. You definitely won't speed up after that, 'coz you'll find much pleasure in details by then (unless, like me, you're on a deadline. That really killed my joy a bit)


The book first introduces Edmond Dantes to the reader (rather than usher in the Count straightaway. Told you patience was required), illustrating his skill, his humility, his loyalties, his faith, his integrity... everything good and honest in a man. The ideal.


However, his honest personality has granted him what selfish men want. Ignorant and naive, Edmond is framed for treason (ironically, this means he carries the crime committed by the late captain he so adored), and cruel chance seals a fate that could have been undone. A blessing in disguise.


Several years later, a mysterious but filthy rich Count of Monte Cristo is introduced to Parisan society, stirring up sensation. This Count not only has style, but also rich tastes, rich knowledge, deep pride and deep pockets. The ideal. And a much deeper vendetta.


The author makes clear to the readers what the characters around the Count are oblivious to. Rather than killing the mystery, though, he ups the suspense to a strange level.


Part of its dark allure comes from the contrast between Edmond and the Count. To see a person spurred into a complete personality change like that is scary. Inspite of knowing the obvious connection between the two, it seems clear that Edmond and Monte Cristo are two separate entities.


What makes it scary, is what I've already mentioned. The Count of Monte Cristo's precise planning. An obvious and eerie indication of this is the Count's punctuality. He (and all else that is his) never arrives earlier nor later, but at the exact moment that he has specified beforehand. It is as if the Count, who has great influence over his aquaintances, also includes Time as one of them.


One of my favourite characters is Monsieur Nortier de Villefort. His precision and foresight are brilliant, possibly surpassing Monte Cristo. Ironically enough, the relationship between his granddaughter, Valentine, and Maximilian is positively ridiculous. I could have done without that, except that it is through this that Nortier gets to showcase his prowess.


Another interesting aspect of the story is that there is no clear antagonist or protoganist. You know who you want to fall, but you're really not sure if you should root for anybody.


I think the author mixed up Greece with Arabia though.


I do believe, however, that Danglers got away with it too lightly.


EEEEPP!!! It's nearly 2am!! Me needs beauty rest.