Abbe Prevost

Advantages: speed, passion, action
Disadvantages: none

...This is a highly entertaining work written by Abbe Prevost. It is far superior to his other main "Story of a modern Greek" and is after Lesage's work "Gil Blas" one of the first examples of the "picaresque" in French literature. It is a veritable roller-coaster ride of a story never resting or stopping and reminds one of that other great work of french literature Voltaire's "Candide" in its speed and passion. It concerns a Chevalier and his quest to pursue his loved one who is continually unfaithful, but he seeks her nevertheless. I recommend it to be read as a fine example of a speedy and fast story, which almost preempts similar cinematic styles.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A gripping tale of deceipt and revenge
Disadvantages: None - if you like a long read

...My own copy of this book is more than 100 years old, a thick volume with each page like an old bible - with two columns of small, small text. So if you like short novels only, then this one is not for you. On the other hand - any shorter book could not bring you to share in the despair of our innocent hero Edmond Dantes with his terrible downfall as a result of machiavellian plots which see him lose his sweetheart, father, and to his despair at being locked away indefinitely in a terrible dungeon with no hope of freedom. Edmond's secret meetings with the Abbe Faria see him gain more knowledge than any simple seaman, but the education and company of a gentle man eventually allows him to regain some hope and some purpose to his life. The death of his teacher brings him an opportunity for escape which leads him to an unimaginable... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Very funny
Disadvantages: Rather appalling

...took it as much as a satire on the interfering arrogance of the likes of Flora Poste as on the primeval rusticity of Cold Comfort Farm. Thoroughly modern Flora is sublimely self-assured. She never has the slightest doubt about her mission, nor any concern that her values might be anything other than universal, or that her interference will bring anything but good. Like most doubts, self-doubt would simply not have entered her head. It would all be horribly New Labour, except that the well-connected Flora is socially conservative. Highly intelligent though anti-intellectual (to call her "thick as a Poste" would unfortunately be inappropriate), she finds reinforcement for her preconceptions by reading "The Higher Common Sense" by the Abbé Fausse-Maigre's. This book too I always assumed to be a satirical invention, especially... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful