A classic piece of literature by Dumas. It has all the elements of a great novel. Intrigue, betrayal, revenge, love and love lost, redemption, moral ambiguity, ambiance, treasure... In short, brilliant! It is a tale that grasps the reader and transports them into the authors world; that includes them as a participant in the story. You can almost "feel" the cold, jagged stone walls of the Chateau de If and the sensation of almost drowning in the bitter cold and dark tumultuous waves outside the prison as a cannonball drags you to the watery depths. Furthermore, Dumas' work reminds me of fantasies that I have had in re isolating myself away for years (possibly in prison) where I could focus solely on honing all my skills and knowledge to be the consummate renaissance man. And yet at the same time Dante is the proverbial everyman. I reread this book once every two years or so and I would highly recommend it for anyone who has never had the truly breathtaking opportunity to experience its magic.