Book Review: "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas

“Take care d’Artagnan, take care,” said Aramis. “In my opinion you are too interested in Madame Bonancieux. Woman was created for our destruction; and from her all our miseries arise.”   

So begins the adventures of young, impetuous, chivalrous d'Artagnan. He begins with nothing more than a letter of introduction and a few coins in his pocket, and winds his way through politics, secrecy, duels and killings to become what he had only dreamed of. Along the way, Dumas takes care to teach us everything he knows about human nature. Take this little bit for example: 

“A rascal does not laugh in the same manner as an honest man; a hypocrite does not weep with the same kind of tears as a sincere man. All Imposture is a mask; and, however well the mask may be made, it may always, with a little attention, be distinguished from the true face.
Now, it seemed to d’Artagnan that M. Bonancieux wore a mask, and that this mask was a most disagreeable one.”    -- Pg. 231  

Dumas has done a masterful job of weaving politics, romance, intrigue, and adventure into one magnificent work. His story is gripping, complicated, and full of little bits of information that will serve the reader well, regardless of occupation. After all, we can't all be famous swashbuckling heroes...  

More stunning and cut-throat than "The Count of Monte Cristo," the only thing it doesn't have to offer the reader is the expected happy ending. In my opinion, it's only fitting that characters who taste and smell so real should experience what so many of us do: the end of a good chapter. I encourage you to go along for the ride and look forward to the sequel.