The Count of Monte Cristo

By: Alexandre Dumas

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 46 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Solo Narration - Male, 2009

Dashing young Edmond Dantès has everything: a fine reputation, an appointment as captain of a ship, and the heart of a beautiful woman. But his perfect life is shattered when three jealous friends conspire to destroy him. Falsely accused of a political crime, Dantès is locked away for life in the infamous Chateau d'If prison. But it is there that Dantès learns of a vast hidden treasure. After 14 years of hopeless imprisonment, Dantès makes his daring escape and follows his secret map to untold fortune. Disguised now as the mysterious and powerful Count of Monte Cristo, Dantès seeks out his enemies - and nothing will stand in the way of his just revenge.

Filled with thrilling episodes of betrayal, romance, and revenge, The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the greatest adventure stories ever written.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Compelling and Wonderfully Read

Dumas' narrative is utterly compelling. Though 35 hours, its episodic structure means that you can enjoy it in half-hour sessions. It's an adventure story, dramatic, romantic, and a delightful instruction in 19th century manners. The reader, John Lee, is extraordinary. There is much more to the story than you might have remembered from the old movie. If listened to in the car, you will sit parked for a long while listening to another chapter.

Fantastic

What a great book. Was very well done and is hard to turn off. The narrator did a fabulous job.

classics for mature readers

I read this book in high school, but did not grasp (or don't remember) many of its subtleties. This book is a prime example of why adults show read the classics. A great book, that I just didn't "get" as a youngster.

Truly wonderful

I've previously only experienced this tale in movies, and had never read the book. How entranced and involved I became in this story, which is (no secret) far more compelling in its entirety. Of course no mere movie could capture the width and breadth of the brilliance of Edmund Dantes. It is very long, but never dull; and John Lee has done a superlative narration. Highly recommended.

breathtaking

John Lee's narration of this incomparable work of fiction is nothing short of breathtaking. Dumas' characters will live in your imagination for weeks after you finish listening to this novel. The marriage of this author and narrator is my favorite audible creation thus far.

Amazing Book - Even Better Narration

Dumas is a master of character development and makes it easy for you to see through the eyes of even the minor supporting characters. While the book was wonderful, the narration was the best I've heard. I love the Harry Potter audiobooks, and I'd say that John Lee is the French setting equivalent of Jim Dale.

Perfect combination of novel and reader!

One of my favorites by Dumas and absolutely the best reader! Perfect combination for a long, long listen!

A Treasure!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I just loved this book! Of course, I have seen the movie versions, but had never read it. John Lee is a marvelous narrator, and even though it is VERY long, I was disappointed to have it come to an end. I found it totally engrossing, clever, beautifully written and couldn't put it down. When I finished it, we downloaded the original movie, and I enjoyed comparing it with the much more detailed book.

Amazing

Would you consider the audio edition of The Count of Monte Cristo to be better than the print version?

I am now going back to read it I wish I had not waited

What other book might you compare The Count of Monte Cristo to and why?

This might be the best thing I have read/listened to.

Oh My Dog! I loved it!

What made the experience of listening to The Count of Monte Cristo the most enjoyable?

The story is so rich with descriptions and sub-plots and stories about the people that make up the story. I was amazed that anyone could keep it all connected without a word processor and a NORAD tracking team.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Count, because he was playing five different roles in the story, each one subtly different but all interconnected.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

He brought life to the story with hi portrayal of each character as a different being. He is a great narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but OMD! 45 hours in one sitting is a bit much. It took me a week of delivering crude oil to finnish the story and I wanted more.

Any additional comments?

I love Alexandre Dumas works. He brought live to his characters like so few can. I expected to encounter Sinbad the Sailor or the Count himself at times as if they were real people. I can't get enough of his stories and I reread them at least once a year.