We hope you enjoy this preview of an episode from our back catalog available to our premium subscribers. Tonight, we'll read the opening chapter to "The Count of Monte Cristo", completed in 1844 by French author Alexander Dumas. Considered a literary classic today, the story takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean during the historical events of 1815–1839: the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France. To unlock full episodes, ad-free listening, and more, please go to snoozecast.com/plus. An adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness; it centres on a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about exacting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. His plans have devastating consequences for both the innocent and the guilty.  — read by 'V' —  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices