Alexandre Dumas: which book should you start with?

In Marseille in 1815, the young sailor Edmond Dantès is arrested on the day of his engagement, on a false accusation. Locked up without trial in the Château d'If, he meets the Abbé Faria, an old prisoner who educates him and reveals the existence of a hidden treasure. Years later, a rich and mysterious Count of Monte Cristo appears in Paris, among the very people who betrayed him. It is the most famous revenge story in literature, full of disguises and dramatic twists. With its lively dialogue and a new turn in every chapter, the novel is a gripping read in the language you are learning.

In 1625, young d'Artagnan leaves his native Gascony for Paris, with a ridiculous horse and a letter for the captain of the King's Musketeers. On his very first day he challenges three musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, to duels, and they become his friends for life. Together they defend the queen against Cardinal Richelieu and the formidable Milady. Duels, wild rides and plots: the great swashbuckling novel, and one of the finest stories of friendship in literature. Full of humour, action and lively dialogue, it is easy to read in the language you are learning.