'The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo' by Tom Reiss is a biography that delves into the extraordinary life of General Alex Dumas, the father of novelist Alexandre Dumas. The book explores the complex backdrop of the French Revolution, intertwining the main character's life with the ethical issues of slavery during that period. Through extensive research, the author uncovers the heroic exploits of General Dumas, shedding light on his military career, his support for the French Revolution, and his tragic treatment at the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Reiss skillfully weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and narrative flair to create a compelling and informative account of a figure often overshadowed by his famous son. The book not only provides a detailed biography of General Dumas but also offers insights into the impact of his life on his son's literary works, particularly 'The Count of Monte Cristo.' Readers are taken on a journey through a tumultuous period in French history, witnessing the courage and resilience of a man who stood against oppression and injustice, ultimately inspiring future generations through his remarkable story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is a mix of engaging narrative and detailed historical analysis, making it both informative and entertaining.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around General Alex Dumas's remarkable rise as a biracial military leader during the French Revolution, highlighting dramatic personal and historical events.

Setting:

The setting includes the Caribbean plantation societies and revolutionary France, providing a rich context for Dumas's life.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout the book, starting slow with context but increasing in momentum as Dumas's story unfolds.

ALEXANDRE Antoine Davy de la Pailleterie—father of the future Alex Dumas—was born on February 26, 1714, in the Norman province of Caux, a region of rolling dairy farms that hung above great chalk clif...

Genres:

biography

historical

nonfiction

Topics:

Notes:

General Alexandre Dumas, father of the famous novelist, was born in 1762 on a sugar plantation in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) to a French nobleman and an enslaved African woman.

He was sold into slavery by his father but later redeemed and brought to France to live as a free man.

Dumas rose from the rank of private to General during the French Revolution, a remarkable achievement for a man of color at the time.

He was considered one of the most capable generals in the French Revolutionary Army and served alongside Napoleon.

Dumas commanded the Army of the Alps and played a key role in victories during the Italian campaign.

His exploits and honor inspired many characters in his son's novels, including Edmond Dantès in 'The Count of Monte Cristo'.

Despite his achievements, Dumas faced racism and was eventually sidelined by Napoleon as racial policies became stricter after the Revolution.

Dumas was imprisoned for two years under suspicious circumstances after returning from an expedition in Egypt, a plight that mirrors the themes of betrayal in his son's writings.

The biography reveals that there was a brief period in revolutionary France where people of color had civil rights and opportunities before these were revoked under Napoleon's rule.

Thomas Alexandre Dumas died in poverty in 1806, not long after returning to France, highlighting the tragic reversal of fortunes for a man who once held great power.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of slavery, racial discrimination, and betrayal, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

WINNER OF THE 2013 PULITZER PRIZE FOR BIOGRAPHYGeneral Alex Dumas is a man almost unknown today, yet his story is strikingly familiar-because his son, the novelist Alexandre Dumas, used his larger-than-life feats as inspiration for such classics as The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers.

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About the Author:

TOM REISS is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author o f The Black Count and the author of the celebrated international bestseller The Orientalist. His biographical pieces have appeared The New Yorker, The New York Times and other publications. He makes his home in New York City.

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

Tom Reiss