The Count of Monte Cristo

by Alexandre Dumas

---

In a word: retributive

In a sentence: A whirlwind saga of revenge and redemption.

Synopsis: Young sailor Edmond Dantes was about to have everything: a promotion to captain,

a beautiful bride, a loving father, and a life full of joy. Then, just at the moment his life was to begin, jealousy crept into his circle. Three would-be friends falsely accused him of Bonapartist and he was arrested, turned against, and locked away for 14 years. A loving boy turns vengeful man and, through a lethal combination of disguises, deception, wit, and a mysterious fortune, Dantes seeks his revenge.

Reactions: This novel originally made my list as a recommendation from a friend. His dream is to circumnavigate the world on his sailboat, so within the first few pages it became clear why this is his favorite book. Despite its intimidating length, this book drags you in with its larger than life characters and thrilling quest.

Like 1,001 Arabian Nights, it layers stories one on top of the next, bringing its characters to life and weaving subtle threads between them but leaving the ultimate deductions of their connections to the reader. From cover to cover, it was completely immersive, and one of the few books I've encountered that does not, for a moment, lull.

Read If: Follow Edmond Dantes if you desire the nonstop pulse of a true adventure.