The Mummy of Monte Cristo
Edmond Dantes had it all: a promising career, a loving father, and beautiful fiancée. Then, in a moment of petty jealousy, three bitter men conspire to ruin his life to advance their own fortunes. Of course, the problem with digging a pit is that you often fall into it yourself. When Edmond comes back from the dead (literally and figuratively in this retelling), he’s educated, wealthy, cunning, and has a chip on shoulder under those wrappings.
The story
Even if you haven’t read the classic French novel (I haven’t), you know the story. A wholesome young man is framed as a political dissident and sent to an island prison where he meets an erudite and wealthy prisoner. After escaping the prison he uses a hidden treasure to fund his revenge. Of course, people and circumstances have changed while he was away and he has to reconsider some of his plans.
The characters
This is a huge book, and without a spreadsheet I couldn’t begin to go over everyone even if we had the time. But to mention three we must begin with Edmond Dantes, the young sailor wronged who returns not just as the Count of Monte Cristo, but as its mummy (and inventor of a tasty new sandwich). In a dark fantasy like this, we don’t need metaphor. He literally gives up his humanity to pursue revenge.
Mercedes is the woman taken from him, who unwittingly marries one of Edmond’s rivals and has son whom Edmond rescues. Fernand is the chief conspirator, who manages to steal Edmond’s life and the woman he loves. He can also conjure fire.
The world
This is an alternate history, where Napoleon defeated a zombie outbreak, and all manner of supernatural horrors abound. The time period of the original novel remains, but the addition of magic and monsters forces some significant changes. Robinson does an admirable job of incorporating these new elements in a way that really feels organic. The werewolves, vampires, and lesser known ghoulies aren’t just there for their own sake. Every new element serves to develop the story and flesh out the world.
The politics
France at this time was in upheaval, and Edmond is accused of conspiring to help Napoleon return to power. The politics, while present, are only there so much as to put the story in motion. From there, this is really about the characters and the moral consequences of their actions. Any political points that may have been present in the past take a backseat to pure revenge fantasy.
Content warning
Well, there are monsters. It could be argued that Edmond’s transformation from man to mummy is a sort of body horror, yet it’s handled tastefully. Robinson maintains the style and tone of the novel. Except for the monsters.
Who is it for?
It may seemed geared toward the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies crowd, but while that and its innumerable imitators was written as a silly cash-grab that worked, The Mummy of Monte Cristo is so much more. Robinson’s rearrangement is written from the heart, with a deep respect for every source from which he draws. Anyone who loves classic literature and the darker side of folklore will find chocolate for their peanut butter.
Why read it?
One of the advantages of fantasy is that it allows us to consider the real things of life from an unrealistic perspective. So while monsters may seem like a heretical addition to a story that has already stood the test of time just fine on its own thankyouverymuch, they can also help us notice things that were always there, always true, and easily overlooked. Also, it’s a good time. Because, monsters.