what hold does the Dumas family have over me? that even beyond the grave they can hold my heart in the palm of their hand and determine its palpitations. the final chapter, Marguerite's letters to Armand. at each knock at her door i too tensed, hoping he would come, knowing full well that he wouldn't. at some point i remember what Duval had seen as Marguerite was exhumed, and it occurred to me that this was the last sight he'd ever have of her. a heart-rendering fiction or a cruel fact - that at the close this poor boy had to look at the decomposing face of she who loved him most ardently, who he, in their last encounter treated so callously. 

it feels insulting that i, sitting here 174 years later, when both are but fertilizer to new life; that i get to read of their love and pass judgement on feelings i scorn and covet in equal measure but have yet to, and perhaps never will, experience. 3 stars