THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas

 

SYNOPSIS

In this book, one attitude that has been unexpected for me is when Mercedes told his son, Albert, her painful secret, in order to keep Albert and the count alive. I didn’t expect that the mother would act in that way, but it was true that it was the only possibility to save both of them. Furthermore, a surprising behavior is when Dantés escaped from prison by putting Father Faria’s body on the bed of his cell and laying down inside the sack on the old man’s bed. One idea that will remain fundamental in the future is love between people, that deep feeling that endures over time. Even after years of separation, if two people who loved each other meet again, that bond endures. This idea is vividly illustrated in the book with Dantès and Mercedes. Despite the years and circumstances that separated them, when they met again, the latent love between them is still perceived. Throughout the book, several passages can be observed in which a great description has been made. For instance, the author describes in detail the process of finding the treasure in Monte Cristo, the place where Father Faria told Dantés. “It was an exciting moment for Edmond when the ship arrived at Monte Cristo(…) He managed to shoot a goat and gave it to the sailors to cook over(…) It was full of shining gold coins, bright jewels and valuable silver - it was indeed treasure!” (pag 22-23). If I had the chance to interview the author of this reading, I would ask him if he would take revenge as the main character of the book has done against the people who have hurt him. I would answer that I would not take revenge, I would do whatever I have to find my fiancée. Besides that, I wonder if he will leave Mercedes or stay with her for the rest of his life. I think that the response will be that he would do what he feels in that right moment. If he still cares about her, he will stay and if not, he might leave.

PERSONAL OPINION

It has been a very interesting book, full of action, and it hooks you to keep reading easily. In some moments it is a bit confusing because of the amount of characters and the strange names they have, but writing down who is who on a piece of paper makes the reading much easier. As soon as the protagonist escapes from prison, he acts all the time with revenge on the three people who put him in jail. I think it is normal for Dantés to be angry but I would also say that if everyone acted with revenge because someone else had hurt them, the world would be even more chaotic than it is right now. Also, I would remark that in life we have to learn to forgive people and enjoy life. To sum up, I enjoyed reading it and I totally recommend it because I think that it is a very famous reading that everyone should read once in their life.

Review by Sara Elzaurdi Carrera

THREE MEN IN THE BOAT by Jerome K.Jerome

 

SYNOPSIS

The characters in this reading behave in an expected way. In the story there are three men and a dog. The dog, Montmorency, behave like a dog, he catches rats, he doesnt like cats and and wags his tail when he is happy. The other three mens, George, Harris and J, as they are young, the ideas they have are a bit different but they are okay. The main idea from this reading that will continue to be relevant or important in the future I would say is the friendship between the characters Montmorency included. Throughout the story we can find some disagreements about several decisions that they had to take, however, friendship and good vibes are always behind the issues. The writer describes every setting with drawings which helped to understand better the situation that was happening at the time. Nevertheless there was a scene where the author does a fantastic job describing a cat. That cat did not have an ear and even his tail was cut in half. Once his physical appearance had been described, I also included his manner of behaviour, therefore describing the cat that was found in the town of Henley. I would ask him several questions but if I have to choose one I would ask him the following question. Why is he still writing a novel that is over 100 years old? I think that the answer would be so that this beautiful story is not lost and that it continues to be told generation after generation. I like the idea that have these young men have, to go on a trip in a boat considering that nowadays everybody goes to trendy cities its a great idea to go to local towns. In these towns I think that they might learn something new and get to meet new people. Nevertheless, I would like something out of the ordinary to happen. For example, if something happened to the boat or if they had a big fight between them. In general I would like it to have a bit more mystery but I found it an entertaining novel.

PERSONAL OPINION

In my opinion the book is very useful to learn new experiences and to compare the trips that were made 100 years ago and the trips that are made now. It also teaches some very important values, such as friendship, teamwork and cooperation. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to travel and learn new habits.

REVIEW by UXUE ALTUNA MUJIKA

SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE NORWOOD MYSTERY by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

 

SYNOPSIS

The famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his partner, Dr. Watson, become involved in a mysterious case that begins with a disappearance in Norwood, for which the authorities accuse John McFarlane of killing him. This leads him to ask to Sherlock to get him out of the mess he has been put in. As Holmes and Watson investigate further, they uncover different interesting secrets. Suspicion falls on Oldacre's housekeeper, a discontented partner, and a mysterious stranger with hidden intentions. As Inspector Lestrade presses him, Holmes uses his deductive reasoning skills to uncover the truth behind Oldacre's disappearance. In the process, the duo comes up against many obstacles and false clues.

PWRSONAL OPINION

It is a short but very interesting mystery book. I would recommend it to people who like investigations, as it keeps you curious from the first page, and it also has an unpredictable ending.

REVIEW by Garazi Zubiaurre