Memory Monday: The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas*
Adult, 1844-1846 (in a French journal, 18 parts)

Edmund Dantes is an idealistic young sailor who has the love of a beautiful woman, the promise of a successful future, and the happiness of one who is staunchly honest and true. Out of jealous and spite, he is betrayed as a traitor and imprisoned in the infamous Chateau d'If. However, he meets a friend in the prison, and eventually escapes with a plan to exact revenge in the name of God. In an intricate and fascinating story, Dumas tells a tale of adventure and intrigue while making you stop to question your role with fate.
A fabulously written book, I read it about a dozen times in high school. However, the unabridged version is clogged with extra details and scenes that were very unnecessary (although probably fine in serial). I highly recommend the Bantam version shown here that is abridged. Of course, I am of the opinion that Dumas should always be abridged. If you're a fan of his other works like The Three Musketeers, then have at the unabridged if you like.
Graded an A.

*It should be noted that many of Dumas' works were co-authored by Auguste Maquet. Maquet would outline the plot and characters, giving Dumas a base to work with. Dumas would fill in details and flesh it out. At the publisher's insistence Maquet's name was left off the author page, but he received generous sums of money for his collaboration.