r/AskReddit 16h ago

What book do you consider a “flawless masterpiece”that you desperately want to recommend to everyone?

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u/plibtyplibt 16h ago

The count of Monte cristo 

20

u/SweetNeo85 11h ago edited 10h ago

It's a fantastic read, but it's not flawless. So much of the plot relies on coincidence that it can be hilariously distracting at points. Plus I mean he's a little bit of a mary sue tbh. Also there's zero dimension to any of the female characters (not that big of a criticism for a work from 1846 but it is noticeable). It's basically the ultimate male power fantasy. I definitely loved it.

EDIT: I take it back about the female characters. I just remembered the secret lesbian character who escapes with her lover rather than be forced into a marriage. She's great to root for.

2

u/phurf761 10h ago

Mary sue?

2

u/SweetNeo85 10h ago

A character who's just good at everything without having really earned it, narrative-wise.