The Countdown of Monte Cristo

A daily podcast reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, one page at a time, every single day, over the course of four years.
Each short episode offers a focused, intimate passage from Dumas’ sweeping tale of betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, and redemption, accompanied by brief reflections, historical context, and the occasional detour into 19th-century oddities (and yes, the occasional mangled French pronunciation).
Never read The Count of Monte Cristo? Perfect. This podcast is designed for first-time readers, longtime admirers, and anyone curious about experiencing a literary classic as a daily ritual rather than a daunting tome. You can start from the beginning or jump in wherever you are, the story unfolds steadily, patiently, one page at a time.
Whether you’re a lover of classic literature, a podcast listener looking for a calm daily escape, or someone who just wants a few quiet minutes away from the noise of the modern world, The Countdown of Monte Cristo invites you to live with one of the greatest novels ever written.
New episodes every day. No skipping. No rushing.
Subscribe on your favorite podcatcher or watch along on YouTube.
Support the project at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod and help keep the countdown alive.
A daily podcast reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, one page at a time, every single day, over the course of four years.
Each short episode offers a focused, intimate passage from Dumas’ sweeping tale of betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, and redemption, accompanied by brief reflections, historical context, and the occasional detour into 19th-century oddities (and yes, the occasional mangled French pronunciation).
Never read The Count of Monte Cristo? Perfect. This podcast is designed for first-time readers, longtime admirers, and anyone curious about experiencing a literary classic as a daily ritual rather than a daunting tome. You can start from the beginning or jump in wherever you are, the story unfolds steadily, patiently, one page at a time.
Whether you’re a lover of classic literature, a podcast listener looking for a calm daily escape, or someone who just wants a few quiet minutes away from the noise of the modern world, The Countdown of Monte Cristo invites you to live with one of the greatest novels ever written.
New episodes every day. No skipping. No rushing.
Subscribe on your favorite podcatcher or watch along on YouTube.
Support the project at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod and help keep the countdown alive.
Episodes
Episodes



Monday Sep 08, 2025
“Happy in His Folly” (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 9)
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
From the hidden passage, Dantès overhears the turnkey’s crude jokes about Faria’s death — and the governor’s return with the doctor to confirm it.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, the physician examines the abbé’s body twice, declaring him dead, while Dantès listens in indignation at their casual words about the man he revered.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Alone with a Corpse (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 8)
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
As dawn breaks, Dantès’ last doubts fade — Faria is dead.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, Edmond closes the secret passage just in time for the jailer’s arrival, then returns to overhear the discovery of the body. He listens to the shouts for help, the tramp of soldiers, the governor’s orders, and the mingled pity and cruel laughter of the onlookers.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Saturday Sep 06, 2025
The Last Attempt (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 7)
Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Dantès waits for the moment to give the restorative, counting twelve drops, then the rest of the phial when no change comes.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, a violent tremor shakes Faria’s body, but the spark of life fades. Edmond feels the heartbeat slow, then stop entirely, as the abbé’s eyes remain open in stillness.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
In the final moments of his life, Faria blesses Dantès and reaffirms the treasure’s reality, urging him to claim it if he ever escapes.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, a violent convulsion overtakes the abbé, his strength fades, and with his last breath he repeats the words that have bound their fates together: “Monte Cristo — forget not Monte Cristo.”
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Thursday Sep 04, 2025
The Last Chance (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 5)
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Faria insists there is no hope, but Dantès refuses to give up.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, Edmond retrieves the remaining “magic draught” and begs for instructions. The abbé tells him to act quickly — administering twelve drops instead of ten, and, if needed, the rest — as the chill of death creeps through his body.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
The Third Attack Begins (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 4)
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
In the night, Dantès hears his name called from Faria’s cell — and finds the abbé gripped by the familiar, terrible symptoms of his illness.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, Faria stops Edmond from calling for help, urging him instead to think of his own survival. Believing his death near, the old man calls it Providence, freeing Dantès from the burden of a half-paralyzed companion and leaving open the chance of a new ally.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Learning the Treasure by Heart (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 3)
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Faria, resigned to never enjoying the treasure himself, devotes his energy to preparing Dantès for the day he will be free to claim it.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, Dantès memorizes the cardinal’s letter word for word before Faria destroys part of it, and receives detailed instructions for reaching the Island of Monte Cristo. Between lessons, the two men fill their days with work and study, keeping despair at bay.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.



Monday Sep 01, 2025
The Real Treasure (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19 – Part 2)
Monday Sep 01, 2025
Monday Sep 01, 2025
A final hope of escape is destroyed when the gallery to the sea is rebuilt and the hidden tunnel sealed.
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 19, Dantès tells Faria that his true fortune is not the gold of Monte Cristo but the friendship, knowledge, and strength of mind his companion has given him — a wealth no jailer can take away.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.







