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.

LOVED this book :D

Ok, I took a chance on this, I usually pick easy books that entertain my brain the way cake would entertain my tongue, so I was a little worried this would be too heavy.
Well it was everything it was promised to be, entertaining and engrossing, with characters to love and hate (often at the same time) and a story that kept you wanting to know 'what will happen next??!'
I did go back & forth over whether to give the story 4 or 5 stars because it had one spot that dragged a bit (but only 1, in a story that goes on for 47hours) and the author tells the story by switching the point of view from character to character and that can take some getting used to.. but I decided it has to be 5 stars because I loved almost every bit of the book & was missing it for DAYS after it was finished.
Take a chance and buy this book it really is a great story. To go back to my previous analogy, my usual books would be like supermarket birthday cake on my tongue but this is like a rich layered french torte, still a delicious sugary treat, but sooo much more :D

Great book and great narrator.

I’m very pleased at both the story and the way in which it’s read. The narrator is neither too slow or awkward. Very much recommend it.

The Count of Monte Christo

Wow. What a rich story. Very enjoyable. It is a very long story but if you have regular time to listen it is well worth it.
Enjoy.

Fantastic story of intrigue and revenge.

The story of the Count of Monte Cristo Is a fascinating one and the narration by John Lee makes it so much more enjoyable. This is a terrific value because it is so long and so enjoyable all the way through.

Wait and Hope. words to live by.

45 hours I will revisit again! this was as engaging as Bleak House and East of Eden. loved it

Thank you

Thanks to all the previous reviewers who gave this classic five stars and convinced me to invest 47 hours of listening! One can see how this has remained a classic piece of literature for nearly 200 years. Even after almost 47 hours of listening I was sorry to come to the end. Back in 1957 or '58 when I was only 7 or 8 years old I had my own membership to the Book of the Month Club. One of the monthly offerings that year was A Treasury of Great Science Fiction. And one of the novellas in that Treasury was The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester. The Stars My Destination quickly became one of the classics of Science Fiction and also became one of my all time favorite stories. I've re read it once every year or so since then. Its clear to see that Alfred Bester took his idea for The Stars My Destination from The Count of Monte Cristo. Both books should not be missed!

And I thought the movie was good...

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

I would absolutely recommend this novel to anyone out there that enjoys a well crafted drama. The story shared in The Count of Monte Cristo is one many people may think they know, due to the wonderful 2002 film adaptation... however, they would be wrong. While Hollywood did it's best summerize the wide cast of character's and the events that bring them together, the storyline that ensued is far from the written word. And that is a true shame.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Count of Monte Cristo?

While an obvious moment in the book to favor Edmund's "big reveal" I would have to say that the part I replay in my head is the scene in which Edmund is trying to convince his fellow shipmates to leave him on Monte Cristo to recover from his "fall". The dedication, even devotion that is shown towards this character is remarkable.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The author of the book does a bit of speaking directly to the reader, to remind us of a scene earlier described or just to keep us on our toes. Having John Lee cut character and speak directly to me "the reader" was a wonderful way to personalize the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The introduction of the Abbe Faria was especially touching for me. I must admit that it was not purely due to Alexandre Dumas' admirable character creation. While he did craft the Abbe, it was Richard Harris that brought him to life for me and his remarkably accurate portrayal left me slightly grieved when I was re-introduced in the novel.

Any additional comments?

While I make it a rule that the audiobooks are strictly for driving and lab time - I found myself looking for ways to pro-long solo activities (such as grocery shopping and making dinner) so that I could squeeze in a few more minutes with the characters.

Very hard to put down.

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

The reader.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The count.

Which scene was your favorite?

The meeting in Paris.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Amazing.

Any additional comments?

All high school students should have it for required reading.

wow

I loved it. I'm a bit apprehensive of classics, try as I might to give them their due credit. This book took no effort to come back to. The ride to and from work became one of the best parts if my day as I experienced a great work and a fantastic performance by the narrator.

Marvelous performance!

The narrator was just as breathtaking as the author and I'll be searching for others he may have narrated.