The Count of Monte Cristo

“All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope”

A compelling plot that revolves around a protagonist in achieving a singularly, long-standing and staunched purpose: Revenge. It is from this goal that creates the intricate web of disguise and labyrinthe machinations and manipulations that the Count masterfully executes. Edmond Dantes returns, as the Count of Monte Cristo, after he's been wrongfully imprisoned for 14 years for a belief that he did not have by the people whom he had blindly trusted, and saved by his only company, guide, and teacher in prison, Abbe Faria. No longer the naive young sailor Edmond Dantes once used to be, the Count of Monte Cristo is a calculated man, thirsty for revenge and ensuing his own definition of justice.

One notable characteristic of this book is the development of the protagonist, in how his view transitions from his rosy colored world to a despicable bloodstained world. It truly manifests the gradual process that man undergoes in real life from being a visionary youth full of hopes and dreams, to a more reticent, strategic adult, with experiences of having been burnt from the knowledge that one truly does not understand the world even by a speck, and neither has he unlocked the mysteries of life, by the people who weren't what one thought out to be. Apart from the profound change of character highlighted most clearly, the book is commendable for the theme it upholds until the end: Revenge. The Count ruins, destroys all the lives and relationships of the conspirators (his previous sailor accompanies and a prosecutor named Villefort) he once trusted, leaving no room for mercy as even innocent lives are killed as consequences. From a moral standpoint, the Count may not be justified for his almost cruel vigilante acts. However, the charm lies not solely in contemplation of the morality of the book but simply the adventure it takes you from one twist to another.

Though not a short read, I was not able to realize how fast Ive been reading that before I even realized, I was flipping through the last pages. How the Count had managed to bedazzle the other characters he sought to revenge, and his manipulative acts of 'betrayal' truly astounded me, propelling me to read on. Though he was divisive and orchestrated ominous tragedies for his targets, he was in no way a subject of loathing as the readers are made to sympathize with his thoughts and circumstances. In a way, it was almost pitiful (though at some cases admirable) how the protagonist was solely driven by the sense of revenge for his reason to endure life.

Definitely a must read by anyone looking for a book of adventure wanting to experience a whirlwind of emotions and events.

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"Man is not truly one, but truly two."

The story is narrated in the point of view of an impartial, acute lawyer, Mr. Utterson. In the dead of night, he witnesses a brutal act committed by an exteriorly hideously looking man and finds out he lives by the name, Mr. Edward Hyde. More ominous accounts of Mr Hyde are told by other dark happenings in the city. Meanwhile, Mr. Utterson has long been a confidant and conversation company for a respectable man referred to as Dr. Jekyll, who upholds a respectable reputation and unassuming disposition among those who are acquainted with him. However, he soon finds out that Doctor Jekyll was not a man unpretentious to his demeanor and more crucially, unrelated to the suspicious events circulating in town.

If man has a side catered and polished to pleasurably meet and emulate the standards of society, then he has an equally opposite facet or break in character, a grotesque attribute buried and locked within the depths of his soul that would be regarded at least an umbrage to reality. The question of whether man is inherently evil or good strike my mind. Upon introspection, this applies to me and perhaps it was an adapted natural tendency acquired to survive in this world, more than an inherent trait of mind. The story felt simple but weighed with great gravity that will put the readers to an uncomfortable yet characteristically charming degree of reflection.

Readers note: I was surprised to see that this story composed of only one-fifth of the book. There were other stories included such as the Suicide Club, Rajah's Diamond, The Pavilion on the Links. I was expecting to see the book to be all about Dr.Jekyll and Mr Hyde, but it had only been part of a collection of short stories. Perhaps they entitled it such to highlight the story.

Little Men

"...we're twins, and so we love each other more than other people..."

"...a good name was more precious than gold; for once lost money could not buy it back; and faith in one another made life smooth and happy as nothing else could do."

"It takes so little to make a child happy, that it is a pity in a world full of sunshine and pleasant things, that there should be any wistful faces, empty hands, and lonely little hearts."

Browsing through the shelves in the library of what masterpiece would next fall to my eager clutches, I spotted the book which caught my eye written by the same author who so endearingly captivated my heart in the past. Even before reading, there was an air of familiarity and feeling of kinship that arose the moment it was picked. Although expectations were high, I thought that nothing could par my love for Little Women. As I began reading, someone noticed the book and gave me a knowing eye. I asked her which book she enjoyed reading more, and she replied jestingly, "Little Men, since I have a little bias for fictional male characters." Indeed bias it was as I also found myself quickly enamored with the characters in the story. Not only did I have bias for male characters, but also the bucolic scenery, carefree environment and imaginative descriptions. Louisa May Alcott yet again proved why she tops the list of the most admirable and heartfelt authors of all time.

Portrayed as the 'follow-up' story in the perspective of Jo March, Little Men tells an extraordinary tale of the events in the daily life of the children in Plumfield where Mr. and Mrs Bhaer, Jo's husband, govern together. Though they all start as blithe almost wild young girls and boys, one can gradually and almost wistfully feel the growth of each one becoming someone solidly grounded, remaining faithful to their principles and lessons taught by their caretakers. Alcott depicts the transitions and the coming of age in the most insightful and skillful way that gives lasting impact to the readers.  I cannot possibly give enough praise and adulation for it. Truly, it is one of the most remarkable, laugh and cry along books I've encountered. 

Little Women

6. Little Women

          Little Women is by far the most cake-like book I've ever read. To put it bluntly, I strongly recommend the readers to stow away the abridged version and settle down with the complete one. I say this because as I was reading, each chapter left a sweet and fuzzy feeling in my stomach that made me want more. I enjoyed it to a great degree not only because I may have a slight predilection for old-fasioned books which have characters who speak with decorum and (ever so) posh, but also because of the story which had depths in increments itself.

          Revolving around the lives of the March family, the setting hints an idyllic ambience, which in my opinion accentuates the close knitted family's happiness and love for each other. It is told in the perspective of four strong-willed siblings, occasionally with the augmentation of their mother, with various outlooks in life (and even love). Each of them (namely motherly Meg, pragmatic Jo, lovely Amy, and shy Beth) has their own charms, strengths, and weaknesses, but they are all very much united in the ideals and morals their apotheosis of a mother has shown to them of whom they strive to be like. When separated, their inviduality shines as they learn to mature, but when united they work in perfect concord and harmony that makes them shine even brighter.

           As a woman myself, Im very glad I read this because I found myself being able to relate to each of the characters. For example, I could relate my desire to be refined with Meg's, the down-to-earh part of Jo, the sometimes too indulgent side of Amy, and the quiet, diffident aspect of Beth. Being abe to relate allowed me to assimilate in each of their stories: the pain, the joy, and the sadness. How they acted when faced with a challenge inspired me to face my own with grace and dignity as well. This book serves to be a stronghold of coming of age, maturity, and womanhood to me even up to this day.