NaNoReMo is almost upon us again, with the aim being that throughout the month of February, you read a classic novel. Your definition of ‘classic’ may differ from mine, and people are choosing all sorts for their monthly read, but I think the spirit of the venture is such that as long as you’re reading something, then that’s the main point to be taken from it all.
Last year, I chose Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, which I largely hated for one reason or another, and while the temptation to read another Gothic classic was indeed a strong one (indeed I have yet to start Ann Radcliffe’s Mysteries of Udolpho), this year I shall be reading Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. My only real familiarity with the novel is through its 2002 movie adaptation, starring Jim Cavieziel and Guy Pearce, and Stephen Fry’s version, The Stars’ Tennis Balls. My other half and I had been discussing it just after Christmas, and after discovering it free through Project Gutenberg, I decided it was high time I actually read the novel.
I’m aware that it’s not the shortest book in Christendom, and that February has only 28 days, but I shall endeavour to read as much of it as I can. Wish me luck!
Good luck!