My two sons wanted to be a part of this guest written book review! Today, my eleven year old is participating. We decided to do this months’ review like an interview. The Book is the abridged version of Alexander Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. Enjoy!

11 year old: I enjoy playing in our barn loft; raising our meat birds; playing in our pine trees; and practicing for 5K races. My favorite subject in school is history- I like the American Civil War era, but I also like ancient history. While we were at Mammoth Cave on a trail, I found an arrow head. I also metal detect and find items where a house used to stand in our field nearby. I like reading- I have read all 60 of the original Hardy Boys mysteries. Some of my favorite books are: The Count of Monte Cristo, Redwall, The Wingfeather Saga. I am writing a book. It is called ‘The Everlasting Quest.’

Give us a Summary:

The main character of this book is Edmond Dantes. He is in love with Mercedes and wishes to marry her. So does a rival named Fernand. Fernand falsely accuses Edmond. After the trial, Edmond was sent to an island prison. Edmond heard scraping on the other side of his cell wall. He eventually took part of the wall out and went through the tunnel into Father Faria’s cell. Faria teaches Edmond and shows him a map of Monte Cristo. Father Faria dies and the guards sew him up in a death bag. Edmond secretly takes Faria’s body out of the death bag and sews himself up in it instead, hiding Faria’s body in Edmond’s own bed. The men tie the feet with rope and weight it with a rock. They throw it into the ocean. Edmond takes out a knife and frees himself, swimming away.

Some pirates rescue him and help Edmond. Eventually Edmond goes to Monte Cristo and finds Cardinal Spada’s treasure! He takes four diamonds back to his city and sells them. Now he is rich! He renames himself The Count of Monte Cristo.

Edmond is introduced to Mercedes (again). She knows him! Mercedes has married Fernand and has a son. In the end, Fernand dies and Edmond sails off alone. Mercedes and her son voyage to her childhood home.

What did you like most:

When Edmond escapes the prison in Faria’s death bag.

Who is your favorite character:

It has to be Edmond!

What do you like about this era of history:

I like that there are still pirates.

What do you not like about this era of history:

I don’t like that their clothes are rags in the prison and that they can just rot off- they don’t give them anymore clothes.

Tell us about the treasure:

Edmond had memorized the map. He reached the mouth of the correct cave and waited to be sure he wasn’t followed. It was unlit but Edmond had no trouble seeing in the dark- his eyes were good after living 14 years in his dark cell. There were diamonds as large as eggs, rubies, silver platters, piles of gold bars, emeralds, pearls, necklaces, and various jewels.

What would you change about the story:

I would have Edmond and Fernand duel, but have Fernand go to the island prison until his death.

Does this make you want to read the unabridged version:

Not really now. Maybe later!

Thank you! I hope y’all have enjoyed this fun and different style interview! Please leave comments- my 11 year old would love some feedback!