John’s Comments (group member since Jan 11, 2012)

John’s comments from the Should have read classics group.

Well, I'm up to Chapter 12, and I have some more impressions. First off, D'artagnan does seem to have calmed a little, or at least his manic personality is more directed, which helps.

The biggest thing I noticed in the last couple chapters is the dialog. It seems almost more suited to a play than a novel. As I come to sections of extended dialog, I keep thinking the style of the exchanges belongs in The Taming of the Shrew. It is a little distracting, but not intolerable.

I'm reading the Project Gutenberg ebook, and I can't find a reference to who translated it, but it seems more a style issue than the particular words used, so I'm guessing it would give the same feel in French.

I'm on chapter 9 and so far I'm enjoying it. It's my first time reading this book, but The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my favorites.

D'artagnan's impulsiveness and naivete are keeping the plot moving forward, but I'm a little worried that those traits will begin to grate on me eventually.