Hello! Welcome to Buche’s Book Recommendations, a bi-weekly op-ed where I, Alex Paul Buche, discuss and recommend my favorite novels, nonfiction works, short stories, and novellas to my fellow students at OA. Feel free to absorb any of my information that you might find helpful, but always give a book its proper chance to impress you in person before you throw it in across your room, or in the library return bin, or whatever the case may be. Without further adieu, here is my week one edition:
Week of 2/3/19 – The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Let’s start with a novel that is particularly close to my heart; The Count of Monte Cristo. Published in 1844, this tale, a historical fiction, was written by the late, world-famous French author, Alexandre Dumas. The novel details the life story of a young Frenchman named Edmond Dantes, a pure and innocent fellow who lives a simple life working as the Second Mate of the merchant ship, Pharaon. His outstanding work earns him a promotion to become the ship’s new captain. However, Dantes’ shipmates become distrustful and jealous of him, and collude to falsely accuse him of major criminal offenses. Thus, Dantes’s whole world unravels, catapulting him into a lifelong journey to seek vengeance against those who wronged him.
Some literary critics argue that The Count of Monte Cristo is the greatest novel ever written, and for good reason. Over the course of the plot, there are countless examples of themes, motifs, moral overtones, and symbols for the reader to explore in their own mind, making the novel a truly immersive experience.
The plot takes place in, what I like to call, The “Lean Years” between the two reigns of Napoleon Bonaparte in the 19th century. France had just returned to its monarchical and hierarchical roots in the wake of Napoleon’s exile, and all French citizens suspected of being Bonapartists were thrown in prison for treason. The crew members of the Pharaon operate out of the port of Marseilles, providing us with a clear timeline and location for the events of the story.
The novel itself is very large, usually ranging from 800-1000 pages depending on the edition that one purchases. If you get bored of any book very quickly, I would hardly recommend Monte Cristo. However, if you enjoy complex subplots and a multitude of themes and messages, Monte Cristo might just be your cup of tea. Personally, this novel is easily one of my top ten favorites, as I believe that much can be learned from Dumas’s style and attitude. That’s all for this week folks, enjoy your reading!