"Even though it's over 1200 pages, we don't want the story to end." Facts!!
@ProfessorBopper
Жыл бұрын
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!
@jp1170
Жыл бұрын
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.
@mawalir937
Жыл бұрын
Same here, switched from non-fiction to fiction. My language writing skills and vocabulary were degrading.
@floristijdink2513
Жыл бұрын
Same here! Any other classics worth recommending?
@jp1170
Жыл бұрын
@@mawalir937 the best non-fiction writers have no problem keeping your vocabulary skills greased!
@jp1170
Жыл бұрын
@@floristijdink2513 im reading The Brothers Karamazov and Wuthering Heights right now as well. Very very good
@matthewturner2803
Жыл бұрын
@@jp1170 Gibbon certainly expands your vocabulary.
@brodiiie
Жыл бұрын
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!
@Giraffe27
Жыл бұрын
I first read this when I was 19 and now I’m reading it again at 27. It’s so wild to think that Ed has been imprisoned this whole time
@kimbarbeaureads
9 ай бұрын
I am much older than you, but I think that is the perfect age to read it. I don't know if I would have appreciated it when I was your age though. You are ahead of me. 😂
@paladin1726
8 ай бұрын
The best book I’ve ever read. It will keep getting better
@thomaslowry7079
Жыл бұрын
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!
@pascalrouen
8 ай бұрын
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.
@jaye2491
Жыл бұрын
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 😎
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful choices for your favourite novels, my friend! I'm so with you on Dumas' story being the perfect adventure. And thank you so much for your kind words and for watching! I really appreciate you 🙏😊
@captain_cloudd
Жыл бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That is so kind of you to say. Thank you so much :) I really appreciate you watching and listening, my friend. And I’m so happy that you’ve fallen so deeply in love with Ulysses. Joyce’s masterpiece is a lifelong journey for me too. Truly an inexhaustible work right there!
@patcounts867
Жыл бұрын
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!
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That's so awesome! The story is even more powerful when you follow the original serialised publication schedule. Happy reading, my friend! :)
@readlikeaman
Жыл бұрын
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.
@stuart2010ification
Жыл бұрын
Roughly how long did iy take to read the whole book?
@readlikeaman
Жыл бұрын
@@stuart2010ification just about five weeks. Maybe could have gone a little faster but I was reading and discussing with my wife along the way so we tried to stay pretty neck and neck with where we were at in the story to avoid spoilers :)
@librarianontheloose
Жыл бұрын
Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorite books and I reread it a lot. I honestly think Dumas was one of the greats when it came to episodic fiction. He would have had a great time writing tv series in the modern day and they would have been good. I reread Monte Cristo every couple of years.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That’s so true! My goodness, we would truly have some cracking good television if Dumas was alive and writing today!
@marcbodow3178
Жыл бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I'm so with you there! Fiendishly addictive stuff :)
@marcbodow3178
Жыл бұрын
@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank you for your kind comment. I love your site. I just wish that I had more time to read. I am overwhelmed with my work as a forensic physician.
@samidalao3071
Жыл бұрын
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.
@christyleskovar4384
Жыл бұрын
Fabulous book. Read it years ago. Late nights. Hard to put it down. Just one more chapter, then another, then another…
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I completely relate to that!
@paultaylor1814
Жыл бұрын
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.
@wolfram785
Жыл бұрын
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 🖤🤌✨
@janmariolle
Жыл бұрын
Beautiful comment. Thanks for dropping some suggestions of great Indian writing. You may enjoy the Hardcore Literature book club. I joined after watching Benjamin’s YT videos. I felt a kindred spirit and decided to take a chance and joined in. Benjamin’s lectures are very thoughtful and inspiring. There are some throughly well read people in the group, and others like me who are not scholars, working folks, finally with a bit of free time to challenge the mind with new ideas, or simply love a great story. I cherish the range of comments which pop up after a lecture. If you enjoy the YT videos, you will love the lectures at the book club.😢
@Kiki-zu9ip
Жыл бұрын
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!
@samaafaiz6523
Жыл бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, my friend! I really appreciate that 🙏☺️
@paladin1726
8 ай бұрын
“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.
@evasliteraryparlour
Жыл бұрын
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!
@quickstep145
Жыл бұрын
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. 🙏.
@MilesWilliams88
Жыл бұрын
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.
@ahnmensch3115
Жыл бұрын
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.
@habitshare
Жыл бұрын
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. :-)
@sk8linz121
Жыл бұрын
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
@johnridenour1345
6 ай бұрын
I know nothing of this story except that it is a captivating one. I just received my penguin published copy yesterday in the mail and plan on starting it this weekend. I know I’m late to the party, but is there anyway I can still connect to the archive read along?
@BenjaminMcEvoy
5 ай бұрын
That's so exciting! I'd love to know what you make of this great novel, John :) Yes, absolutely! All of the lecture discussions are recorded and available to access from the book club contents page, so you can enjoy them on demand completely at your own pace!
@KingCrusoe
14 күн бұрын
The first 300 pages of CoMC may very well be the best novel ever written. Don't get me wrong, everything else is really great too, but that whole first arc is absolute infallible perfection.
@agathacccc2710
2 ай бұрын
Fun fact ; you can visit Edmond’s prison, called Le Chateau d’If, by taking a ferry off the Port of Marseille 😊
@NeonRadarMusic
Жыл бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy to hear that! I would love to know what you make of it :) And thank you so much for the kind words! You've absolutely made my day. I did a little bit of acting school a very long time ago, but I've been doing podcasts for a good few years now so I've managed to get a fair bit of reading practice in. It's a dream of mine to do some narrations of classic literature in the future!
@NeonRadarMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@BenjaminMcEvoy You absolutely should. I'd love to hear them.
@theemeraldingot6327
Жыл бұрын
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!
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That is a fantastic coincidence! You must be enjoying it if you’re already over eighty pages in! ☺️
@rachelbrown9816
Жыл бұрын
Started this as part of hardcore lit club and wow - this book is completely enthralling. What a read so far ❤❤
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy you're enjoying it so much :) It really is captivating, isn't it? I'm absolutely loving our read-through of it together ☺️
@reemtageldin7367
Жыл бұрын
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💖
@johnmooney9403
Жыл бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much :) I'm thrilled you loved it so much!
@mangalapalliv
Жыл бұрын
If English lit has its Shakespeare and other greats, the Russian Lit has its Pushkin, Tolstoy, Chekov, Dostoyevsky, Turgenev and other greats, The American Lit has its Melville, Hawthorne and the other greats, the French have their Hugo, Flaubert and Dumas.... and what great legacy/body of work have they left for ordinary people like me.... !! The only regret I will have when I die is that I have not read enough :)
@paulwalker2133
8 ай бұрын
Do you have a preferred or recommended translation of the Three Musketeers?
@BenjaminMcEvoy
8 ай бұрын
I love Richard Pevear's translation :)
@RidleyJones
Жыл бұрын
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.
@paladin1726
8 ай бұрын
I watched the Guy Pierce movie and it made me not interested in reading the book. It was the Orson Welles Mercury Theater adaptation that renewed my interest. Since reading, I’ve looked for movie and serial adaptations and there are none that capture the true essence. Most seem loosely based, and I think with Monte Cristo, Dumas doesn’t insert anything that isn’t necessary. There’s one series that almost comes close enough to nearly satisfy, but falls way short.
@GilbertHorn1
Ай бұрын
I've read The Count four times and will read it again.
@abhradas6433
Жыл бұрын
Will surely give this novel a read. However can you please recommend the best translation of Kafka's works???
@EduardoLamas-q1k
2 ай бұрын
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!
@kevindavis3234
Жыл бұрын
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.
@lesterstone8595
Жыл бұрын
I think you would enjoy reading The Black Tulip which is also by Dumas. It's shorter and also deals with revenge. I love it as much as the Count of Montecristo.
@kevindavis3234
Жыл бұрын
@@lesterstone8595 Hey, thank you! I've never read it (and maybe never even heard of it). I will definitely check it out, though. Appreciate the recommendation!
@neverbored
Жыл бұрын
I read this book 5 times (in russian). Planning to read it in English for the first time. Thank you for tips on translation.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That's so cool! I hope you enjoy your first read of the English version! I'd love to know how it translates into Russian!
@janseb6750
Жыл бұрын
I read Count of Monte Cristo earlier this year. It took me about 2 months, I read about a chapter a day. While I found the beginning and the end quite exciting, the rest... about 700 pages were such a drag for me, I'm sorry... I thought the plot was so predictable, everything was just set up, release, set up, release... I did like how Edmond turned into a bit of a weirdo with all his money, all the revelations were super funny to me. Maybe I read it in a wrong period of my life or something, but it really wasn't for me. I read it in the translations in my native language, and I thought it was alright, it really wasn't the language that I struggled with... just the whole story really, but it was clear to me why it was so influential. Maybe I should reread it... but just the thought of it puts me to sleep.
@rozaganser3016
5 ай бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
5 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, Roza! I'm so happy to hear that. That's amazing! You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishment!! 🙏☺️
@richardfairley9882
Жыл бұрын
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...
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That would make for a truly profound pairing! Fantastic advice!
@akilireynolds5082
Жыл бұрын
i'm a reading this right now .i was looking for videos that would help me understand the history during it time.strange coincidence.
@marianapgar4409
Жыл бұрын
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!
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I’m thrilled that you have the unabridged version sitting right there! You’re in for a wonderful adventure :) I’d love to know what you make of it!
@marianapgar4409
Жыл бұрын
@@BenjaminMcEvoy I certainly will let you know! :-)
@raulpetrascu2696
Жыл бұрын
What the hell i just started it, great timing
@robertocatrone715
2 ай бұрын
Did you know the true story of The Count of Monte Cristo? It was based on Alexandre Dumas father Thomas-Alexandre Dumas. A brilliant large than life true story.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
2 ай бұрын
I read about it in Tom Reiss' excellent The Black Count :) I completely agree! Absolutely incredible inspiration!
@thelaurels13
Жыл бұрын
First. I just viewed your channel to see if any new videos had been uploaded and wasn’t disappointed. Thanks, Ben. The Count of Monte Cristo is next for me after I’ve finished Anna Karenina, which I’m absolutely loving. 🙌
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Amazing timing! I’m so thrilled you’re loving Anna Karenina so much. I’m definitely due for a reread myself. And I can’t wait to hear what you make of The Count of Monte Cristo! ☺️
@philipmason5547
Жыл бұрын
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.
@DanExploresBooks
Жыл бұрын
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.
@cvleb777
2 ай бұрын
I'm still heartbroken. I just finished it yesterday, I feel like I just broke up with someone 🤣 what an adventure.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
2 ай бұрын
I relate to that, Caleb!!
@pavithrasrinivasan4459
Жыл бұрын
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.
@Joseph_Mineo
Жыл бұрын
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).
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I'm so thrilled to hear that. The Count of Monte Cristo is a personal favourite character of mine too. I think this is a book that can be life-changing for many people, especially anyone going through a difficult, formative period!
@SchizoaffectedGamer2112
11 ай бұрын
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.
@nicolehurwitz4737
6 ай бұрын
too bad you didn't voice the book monte cristo, your accent is perrrfect, just exactly what I've been looking for😃
@BenjaminMcEvoy
6 ай бұрын
Aw, thank you so much, Nicole. It's actually a dream of mine to do narrations in the future, so that really means a lot to me ☺️🙏
@brodylockwood14
Жыл бұрын
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.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy to hear that! I'd love to know what you make of it :)
@lesterstone8595
Жыл бұрын
It's crazy how everyone is saying they just started or just finished this novel. I'm in the latter group, and I loved it and the Black Tulip. However, I'm on the fence about the Corsican Brothers. ♥♥
@colinjbanks
Жыл бұрын
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.
@HistoricallyBeautiful
Жыл бұрын
The count of monte cristo is partially based on Dumas' father's life story. The Black Count by Tom Reiss covers this in detail.
@Roland96351
Жыл бұрын
I'm about half way through and it is exquisite, fascinating, and terrifying.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I'm thrilled you're enjoying it!
@deadpoet9392
Жыл бұрын
I'm reading it and it's an amazing novel ❤❤❤I'm in loveeee
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I’m so thrilled you’re loving it! ☺️
@deadpoet9392
Жыл бұрын
@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thanks 🙏 how can I join your book club?
@vuvuzela691
Жыл бұрын
I'd love for you to do a video on your opinions of the Booker prize winners of the past 10-15 years!
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I've actually been wanting to do that for a while! :)
@microfoo88
Жыл бұрын
"If the thing were to do again, I would again do it." 😅
@mangalapalliv
Жыл бұрын
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.
@rodicacretu1030
Жыл бұрын
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.
@Kenny-o6i
Жыл бұрын
I think Robin Buss is the way to go
@alanstamey9279
Жыл бұрын
This is my favorite book!
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That's awesome! It's definitely one of my favourites! Incredible work :)
@JunReve
4 ай бұрын
My dementia suffering wife once again packs everything trying to leave. Saying the most horrible things. Strong as I can be... I wish I didn't feel this love and feel providence.
@JunReve
4 ай бұрын
Wish a Count(Batman) to come and save our marriage.
@jankoszuta9835
11 күн бұрын
Feeling for you, stay strong brother
@sbonventure
Күн бұрын
I read the first 14 chapters of anonymous, then saw your video on the topic of translation, and, in agreement with your assessment of passages, started reading the Robin Buss version. Way better. Smoother dialogue. Fewer passages of choppy confusion to be mentally rehearsed for understanding. Makes more sense. Even subtle differences in the way dialogue is presented, the use of “he chuckled” can really change how you feel about the perspective of the character and your affection toward them. I’m not saying the anonymous translation was bad, and some may prefer that sort of stilt (even though I think the Penguin feels more accurate to what was intended), I was still loving the book, either way. Anyway, never thought much about translation differences in literary fiction, but I much prefer and enjoy the Penguin translation you’ve suggested here. Now I’m wondering if Camus’ “The Stranger” has a more colorful translation, a great favorite of mine. I’ll have to check into that. Thanks for the excellent advice!
@JabbyMayoCD
6 ай бұрын
In that translation comparison, I greatly preferred the older translation as it feels far more poetic and epic in a way. That said, I will probably read the Buss translation first for better comprehension.
@AcidicDelusion
Жыл бұрын
If one joins the book club can you work through the books at your own pace ?
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Yes, absolutely! It's set up for self-pacing :) And we would really love to have you involved!
@bryanbelshaw7725
2 ай бұрын
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.
@Messihaz
Жыл бұрын
Benji covering my favorite book of all time. Truly made my day
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching, my friend :) I'm so thrilled that this is your favourite!
@demetriussherman476
2 ай бұрын
On Auguste Maquet "The collaboration with Dumas ended in 1851. Maquet had earlier sued Dumas demanding co-authorship and royalties, but the court found in favour of Dumas. Speaking of the court's decision, Arthur Davison writes: "Dumas without Maquet would have been Dumas: what would Maquet have been without Dumas?"
@lizgonzalez491
8 ай бұрын
I read it last year. I loved it! I had to read The Three Musketeers afterwards.
@shilohpeterson5307
Жыл бұрын
One of the best books ever! Was intimidated when I started it but by the end it felt too short
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I completely agree!! :)
@Bozemanjustin
Жыл бұрын
11:22 they are in comparable. The second one is so much better sounding. The second one sounds like a professional author, the first one sounds like somebody telling you a story at summer camp. The entire majesty of the eloquence of the words is flushed down the toilet. Honestly, the second one reminds me of how Benedick speaks in much adue about nothing
@playermartin286
Жыл бұрын
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
@ManuelaK-ec3rm
Жыл бұрын
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.
@maxilater00
9 сағат бұрын
I love your videos but honestly this is one of the easiest books to get into ever. I always recommend this book to people who want a fun book to get them into reading classic literature.
@Gunsla
Ай бұрын
I'm currently reading the Wordsworth Classics version that uses the Chapman and Hall translation. I'm about 3/4 of the way through and although I am enjoying it very much I feel slightly cheated that I didn't choose the Penguin Classics version. It did take me a few chapters in to get used to the way that dialogue between characters is often separated by a dash.
@Handy_Manny-lw1ub
Жыл бұрын
I just picked up a copy of the Buss translation. I cannot wait to tear through this adventure
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Happy reading, my friend. I hope you love it!
@rishabhaniket1952
Жыл бұрын
The greatest adventure epic ever written.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Completely agree :)
@Psychegaze
2 ай бұрын
So we all feel that we don't want the story to end. Kinda regret ending the story too fast. I still can't stop thinking about count of monte cristo, I just can't jump to another book. I can't believe I won't be seeing count, ali, albert, morell, bertuccio, valentine again telling me about their extraordinary life. Though it's futile, just had to wait and hope 😭
@dannycadwallader6503
9 ай бұрын
Hello and thank you for so many amazing videos. Just a question on “the black count” will it be full of spoilers . And or would you read it after or before the “ the count of monte cristo”. Many thanks. And thank you for giving a middle aged man all this literature after years of letting dyslexia win.
@johnridenour1345
6 ай бұрын
@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.
@JayJay-sf2wn
Жыл бұрын
Do you read audiobooks? I think you might be better than Jim Dale. 😮 If I heard anyone else make a comment like that, I would have yelled out, “Blasphemy!” By the way, I may have actually paid attention in my high school English class if you had been my teacher!
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
That is incredibly kind of you, and very high praise indeed! Thank you so much. I’d love to do some narration in the future as reading stories aloud is definitely one of my very favourite things to do :)
@hedgiecc
Ай бұрын
Got here because I'm off to see the new French adaptation this weekend! I don't think ive read the novel properly - I think I ve read an abridged adaptation for children at school and a comic/manga version at some point. Must get the actual novel!
@PokhrajRoy.
Жыл бұрын
Hello! I hope you’re doing well.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, my friend! I hope you’re keeping well too ☺️
@VictorAugustus
Жыл бұрын
Great video! on Dumas' father I really recommend the History Dose video - Napoleon and the Legendary Black General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas.
@BarefootContessa72
Жыл бұрын
Reading this currently and really enjoying it
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
I’m so happy to hear that! :)
@BenjaminMcEvoy
Жыл бұрын
@@kaiftintoiwala6414It’s not too difficult :)
@stephenperera7382
6 ай бұрын
I have a decision to make other than which translation and that’s whether to read it in English or Spanish - I am wondering which would be ‘richer’ and more enjoyable
@BenjaminMcEvoy
6 ай бұрын
You could give the opening chapter of each a taste-test :) I love the Robin Buss in English, but I have a feeling that Dumas would translate beautifully into Spanish!
@stephenperera7382
6 ай бұрын
@@BenjaminMcEvoy thanks for the message…..yes I think French and Spanish have similar flavour of language…..it’s a good idea to read extracts of both and see what I think…..
@stephenperera7382
Ай бұрын
@@BenjaminMcEvoy I'm sooooooooo enjoying the Penguin Classics version of the book in Spanish....what a great story, can't put it down. I totally recommend reading this book. I am alternating it with the LibriVox audiobook narration 9in Spanish) available on KZitem when Im driving etc
@pinayaminah3003
9 күн бұрын
This is my no. 1 novel.
@BenjaminMcEvoy
8 күн бұрын
I can see why!! It's an absolutely phenomenal work! I adore it :)
@abdulabdi5887
10 ай бұрын
Was the count of monte cristo and some of his books inspired by his father (one of napoleon's general a half haitian half french man, Thomas Dumas)?
@مهندعامر-خ2ص
Жыл бұрын
من اجمد الروايات الفرنسية ، احسن حاجة عملها الكساندر دوما ، احسن من الفرسان الثلاثة
@cellardoor4182
Жыл бұрын
Mh problem with this book is that dantes' financial resources are the biggest strength he has and this strength is not available for everyman.
@zygmuntlllwaza5773
Жыл бұрын
"He started writing at what is now chapter 31, 300 pages into the book" That makes so much sense now. About the book. I think it has a lot of strong points and the first 200-300 pages really are 10/10 but there is a lot of filler material in it and a lot of it is forgettable.
@mayhapsperchance
10 ай бұрын
Does this contains any spoilers? I just started the book, can I watch this before I finish it or should I wait until after?
@rizzyknows
9 ай бұрын
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.
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