001 - The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

·19 min·1 clip

Edmond Dantès secretly met Napoleon on Elba, carrying a mysterious packet that could endanger his life.

This episode is the first chapter of Alexandre Dumas's classic novel, *The Count of Monte Cristo*, presented in an audiobook format. The narrative follows the young sailor Edmond Dantès as he returns to Marseille aboard the merchant ship *Pharaon*. The story is set on February 24, 1815, and establishes the characters and tensions that will drive the plot. The *Pharaon* arrives in port under the command of Dantès following the death of its captain, Leclere, from a brain fever. Dantès reports to the ship's owner, Monsieur Morrel, that the cargo is safe and the voyage was profitable, worth twenty-five thousand francs. Morrel's supercargo, Danglars, a man disliked by the crew, subtly criticizes Dantès to the owner. Danglars claims Dantès unnecessarily delayed the ship for a day and a half at the Island of Elba after Captain Leclere's death. Dantès explains the stop was to fulfill the captain's final order: delivering a packet to Marshal Bertrand on Elba. During this visit, Dantès unexpectedly met Napoleon Bonaparte, who inquired about the ship and remembered the Morrel family from his time in the army. Dantès reveals this conversation privately to Morrel, who is delighted Napoleon recalled his uncle, Policar Morrel. Morrel warns Dantès that having contact with the exiled Emperor could bring trouble, but Dantès believes his actions were innocent. Danglars later questions Morrel about a potential letter from the late captain, hinting at secretive behavior, but then asks Morrel not to mention it to Dantès. Eager to go ashore, Dantès declines Morrel's dinner invitation, stating his first visits are to his father and his betrothed, Mercédès. Morrel strongly implies he intends to promote Dantès to captain of the *Pharaon*, bringing the young man to tears of gratitude. Before leaving, Dantès answers Morrel's query about Danglars, stating that while Danglars performed his duty, the two men are not friends due to a past quarrel. The chapter ends with Dantès rowing ashore, observed by both the pleased Morrel and the silently watching Danglars, whose expression contrasts sharply with the owner's. The narrative carefully establishes Dantès as a skilled, dutiful, and beloved sailor on the cusp of great professional and personal happiness. It simultaneously seeds future conflict through Danglars's envy and the politically dangerous errand to Elba. The tone is classic 19th-century narrative fiction, rich in descriptive detail and formal dialogue that builds character and suspense. The style is third-person omniscient, moving between external action and the private thoughts of key characters like Danglars. Listeners who love immersive historical fiction, classic literature, and tales of betrayal and revenge will be immediately captivated by this foundational chapter. Those who prefer modern settings, fast-paced action, or minimalist prose might find the detailed descriptions and formal language less engaging.

As heard by us

A port arrival that becomes a quiet test of loyalty, status, and suspicion.

Marseille is the center of gravity here. The Pharaon slides into port under watchful eyes, and Edmond Dantes comes in as a sailor who clearly knows how to handle the vessel.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

A port-side opening where competence draws admiration and suspicion in equal measure.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Count of Monte Cristo