Review: The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo

The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of General Alex Dumas, the father of famed author Alexandre Dumas, père. General Dumas was the son of a black slave woman and a French nobleman who grew up during the slave days of 18th century France. He later proved himself in the military during the French Revolution, but was ultimately betrayed by Napoleon Bonaparte due to his heritage. Dumas was certainly an inspiration for his son's acclaimed novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

This is an exceptionally written account by Tom Reiss, who spent 10 years researching the General's life. It is engaging and entertaining. Reiss' admiration of Dumas certainly shines through.

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