The Count of Monte Cristo

By: Alexandre Dumas

Narrated by: Bill Homewood

Length: 52 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

On the eve of his marriage to the beautiful Mercedes, having that very day been made captain of his ship, the young sailor Edmond Dantès is arrested on a charge of treason, trumped up by jealous rivals. Incarcerated for many lonely years in the isolated and terrifying Chateau d'If near Marseille, he meticulously plans his brilliant escape and extraordinary revenge.

Of all the "masked avengers" and "caped crusaders" in literature, The Count of Monte Cristo is at once the most daring and the most vulnerable. Alexandre Dumas (père), master storyteller, takes us on a journey of adventure, romance, intrigue, and ultimately, redemption.

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Public Domain (P)2010 Naxos Audiobooks

Outstanding! A must read

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

I have just finished reading (on Kindle)and listening to this story. I had seen the Jim Caviezel movie, which was good, but has changed much of the original story. The drama ,, humor and and fascinating commentary on human nature was extraordinary. This performance was more than a narrative. He changes voices for certain characters and the most dramatic scenes are transfixing. This is truly a timeless classic that is under-appreciated. I had actually read the first half of the book on my new Kindle Fire, but mostly listened to the rest while reading along at some juncture. Due to the length of this novel- over 100 chapters, it is better listened to vs reading it. While I read it, I started to get confused because of all the characters and I was unclear if I was fully understanding the plot because I had to stop and start so often while reading. But I could not stop listening to the audible performance, which held my attention.

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

The drama of the poisoner and the reading of the letter by Franz of his father's death were the most memorable. However, I did not listen to the beginning of the story, so I may actually go back and listen to the whole thing again. This is my new favorite.

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

The emotion and drama between characters was clearer in his performance. All the complicated interactions and intention so the characters came to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was stunned, amazed, and laughed at and cry with the characters. The spiritual insights were powerful and worthy of reflection. This is more than a revenge story, that is a very superficial reading of this story, but the prevailing view. This view of human nature is very insightful. Recently, I was made aware of

Outstanding story with excellent narration!

This is a classic masterpiece that is wonderfully narrated. I highly recommend it to all.

Maximum Recommendation!

If you could sum up The Count of Monte Cristo in three words, what would they be?

Well worth it!

Any additional comments?

The narrator for this book was amazing. He was able to give personalities to the dozens of characters in the book each with a unique European accent. Amazing!

The significance of revenge.

I don't think that the author, who undoubtedly has brilliant insights, or his principal character Dantes ever gets the point. I waited for it to happen because as I said the author has spun out this convoluted metaphor for the meaning of life and I expected it to happen. The main character suffers and the author goes to great lengths for us to appreciate his suffering. As a result of his incarceration and suffering, Dantes gains great knowledge and great wealth. He goes on an extended mission to bring down the men who
hurt him. But although Dantes is described as great, almost a Superman, his antagonists are little men, not really worth the effort, it is like building the space program to the moon in order to rid the room of a fly. Dantes never appreciates that it is the three men who hurt him that gave him his gifts. And even in the end, he considers that Mercedes betrayed him for marrying after his death. Very disappointing. Very chauvinist. Bravo to the narrator for carrying us through this tangled journey. I read this book because I enjoyed the Three Musketeers so much, and I don't feel like I've completely wasted my time. I think I have been help to realize how futile it is to bear a grudge against little people. If you have the means move on with life and enjoy the "azure canopy of stars" which the author describes and costs you nothing. I'm sure the author would have benefited from exposure to the Tao te Ching.

Good beyond words

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

This narrator Bill Homewood is my favorite and I've purchased all that I can find that he has done. This and Alan Quartermaine are among my favorites. The French names take some getting used to but the characters which Mr Homewood creates with naught but his voice quickly help you to identify each character until the names are firmly fixed in your mind. In a very short time the beatiful language and the power of the narrative will push you along until the point where you will wish that you could listen more quickly to the wonderful story playing out. My highest reccommendation.

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

The Three Musketeers and Alan Quatermaine...the narration of Alan Quatermaine is just as wonderful but the lost civiliazation/great white hunter story is very different. The three Musketeers sharing the same author has some similarities.

Which scene was your favorite?

All of the scenes between the Abbe Fare in Chateau D'iif.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Tears and more tears.

Any additional comments?

Buy it and savor it.

The Best Purchase I've Made on Audible!!

I read the unabridged Count of Monte Cristo late last year, and it quickly became apparent to me that I was reading my new favorite book. It is an amazingly intricate and complexly woven narrative, truly a marvel of planning and organization, while being so simple and pleasurable to read. As long as it is and as flowery and overblown as the language can be, I truly feel that none of it could have been left out without a real detriment to the story as a whole. I honestly think it is the perfect book, it's so beautifully written and with such an EXCELLENT plot and characters that you will truly come to both love and hate.

But, my recent excitement for this book is related to the audiobook version. I wanted to reread this book as soon as I finished it, so I figured listening to it would be much more time effective. I almost bought the version read by another narrator, because frankly Bill Homewood's sample sounded rather slow and boring to me and the other narrator sounded more lively. Then I read a review that said that the other narrator may sound more lively in the sample, but it's the same voice for all characters for 40 hours; while Homewood's got so much variety in his reading of the characters that you'll never be bored. This persuaded me to buy this one instead, and every time I listen to this book I am mentally thanking god for that reviewer!!

Homewood has such a gift with characters. He has distinct voices for each character, even minor characters like the jailers, complete with authentic and varied accents. Listening to him is such a treat, because he truly brings the characters to life. You can actually hear the anxiety and sorrow in his voice as Dantes in the early novel, or the slippery tones he uses for Danglars. It's so hard to describe the magic he works in this audiobook, but in all the narrators I've listened to I have NEVER come across one nearly so gifted. I can truly see myself listening to this book again and again and again. It's just such a pleasure.

Also, I listen to it on 2x speed and it is still perfectly intelligible (especially if you know the plot and don't have to think on it overmuch). It also makes the book half as long, of course ;)

Incredible Story, Brilliantly Narrated!

The story is extremely engaging, has plenty of plot twists that all eventually come back together in a deliciously interesting way. As for this version, the narrator is beyond superb! His command of the multiple languages is masterful, the pacing is perfect, and his voicing of the characters is spot-on. I highly recommend this book, especially if you have seen any of the various versions of the movies. None of them do the story its full merit.

Long, but worth the time.

Liked the cliffhangers at every chapter. Kept you wanting more.

The character development was good.

A little disappointed with the ending. Overall, a fun diversion.

The cont of monte cristo is one of the best books in existence

I loved this book
If there is anyone with a good amount of time and the need to read a good book you should read this
The amazing of struggle, love, and revenge.

Even after 52 hours did not want this book to end

What did you love best about The Count of Monte Cristo?

BIll Homewoods narration. Amazing. Brought the book to life and I did not want it to end.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did not want it to end. Excellent in every way.