I read this Alexandre Dumas novel, 'The Three Musketeers', when I was a kid, but it was an adaptation, or a dumbed down version for adolescents. I have just finished the real thing and it was most enjoyable.
The story is swashbuckling and the writing is in a style that is elegant and clever. I re-read some passages because of their delightful twist with words and ideas. Nobody writes like this anymore.
The brave young Gascon, D'Artagnon, is trying to realise his dream of joining the King's Musketeers and meets with the three friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The adventures are varied, the romances are very involved and subtle, and the villain is a true villain in every sense of the word, and happens to be a woman. There is suspense, intrigue, mystery, adventure, battles, revenge, justice, and plenty of great humour.
After much character development, the reader feels akin to the four young men and is rooting for them all the way. It is no wonder that this story has been made into a movie many times. It is a true classic.
4 1/2 stars
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