As a big fan of The Three Musketeers (I’ve read it 3 times), I had big expectations for Twenty Years After (the sequel). Sadly, I did not find it as compelling or as well paced as the first one. I came to the realization that this was probably written before the age of editors. If this was written today, an editor would have wisely cut it down significantly to make it more readable. I also felt like I needed to have a PhD in French history to understand the constant references to historically characters and events. I’m usually not a big fan of abridged versions of books....but it would behoove most readers in this case. A redeeming element of Twenty Years After was Dumas' depiction of the relationship that the four main characters had with one another. At times I was emotionally stirred by the relational depth and bond these men shared. If I have the relational wealth these guys have with one another, I would consider myself very lucky and blessed indeed
