Lawrence Ellswoth's new translations (2018) of the classic provides a humorous and fast moving telling, though except for the multiple demonstrations of their, when not otherwise required for the plot, exemplary fighting skills, I found the virtues of the characters entirely show rather than tell. The titular 3 drink, eat, fritter and gamble away any funds that enter their hands - or their friends' hands - and treat woman as sources of funds or outlets of momentary exuberance. D'Artagnan seems a bit more judicious as to funds on his own, but his behavior to Kitty and even Milady is that of a complete cad. Ah, well, it is full of swash and buckle and derring-do. ( )

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Okay, so it took me forever to finish this, but that should not be held against the book. I don't know what's up with me and my reading lately, but I won't make my goal of 100 read books this year. I'm annoyed with myself because of it, even though it shouldn't really matter.

I first read this book in 2008 and immediately loved it, so I was a bit worried now going back that I wouldn't enjoy it as much. But I did! It might be several hundred years old but many parts are still very relatable and others are just genuinely funny.

I loved most of it, but I'm only giving it four stars because the ending is so ???? It's like Dumas just wanted to wrap everything up and didn't really care how. The character assassination (as well as literaly assassination) of Madame Bonancieux particularly bothered me, because she doesn't seem like remotely the same character that we meet earlier in the book as she is at the end. She was the one of who sent D'Artagnan off to fetch the diamond studs, so MiLady should want revenge on her simply because of THAT, but nooo, it's only because D'Artagnan is in love with her. Sigh.

When I first read this book Aramis was my fave and now I'm like ... why? Probs because Jeremy Irons played him in The Man in the Iron Mask movie. I think I prefer Athos now, he's not always sympathetic but he is kinda funny in a weird way (and so cool and skilled with a sword)!

Honestly, when will someone do an adaption of this book where they're all gay for each other? I need it. ( )

Ah Mr. Dumas!

This was a light, enthralling novel for me. I never felt like I had to do much thinking when reading this book, and I enjoyed it for the racing plot that bound it together. I usually read heady bullshit if we're being honest here, and picking this up amidst a difficult time of bereavement and being able to just escape into a world was welcome. At times I was just flying through chapters, and as the plot unfolded I found myself honestly not wanting to stop. It was fun, and I loved the four boys we were privy to.

Ironically, I think the points of the book I liked least were the action sequences (which there are many). It's a failing of my own, but I kept going for the character interactions. With the likes of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and our boy d'Artagnan, the interactions between the four were amusing, and the boyish (and yet gallant) reactions to the wildness of their lives in this plot were often hilarious and something I would read again and again. If you're like me and don't like action, try it out regardless, but don't tell I didn't warn you.

Not necessarily injuring my opinion of the novel, but definitely making me a bit uncomfortable was the flagrant abuse for the servants. It honestly appalled me that it was treated so blasé, and combined with the rampant misogyny and very odd and sexist characterization of Milady, the book dates itself pretty bad. It rubbed me, but I didn't take stars away from it because of it. I understand it's a product of its time... but damn son...

Anyways, I usually grade books beginning with a 5, and go down as I see fit. This book went down to a 4 only because I felt like it really slogged in middle, and me not being one for action, I don't believe I would honestly reread it (800 pages ... yeah no. Sorry Mr. Dumas) I'm still happy I read it though; I think we should be acquainted with the source material of such large cultural staples, and I feel like I have an understanding of that now. The likes of the four friends were a joy and the #wild historical fanfiction plot had me reveling in equal parts hilarity and drama, and it was a truly pleasant read. ( )

Great adventure, and I had no idea it would be so humorous! ( )