Classic Children’s Stories: The Three Musketeers
‘The Three Musketeers’ is undoubtedly one of the most popularly referred-to novels of its time. It shot to fame all over again when the name of the third musketeer became a million dollar question in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, perhaps the most talked-about Indian movie of the decade.
The Three Musketeers (1844)
Author: Alexandre Dumas
‘The Three Musketeers’ is a gem on the bookshelf for anyone who has a predilection for swashbuckler-style action, military valour and political intrigue.
The Plot
Set against the political upheavals of 17th century France, the story of ‘The Three Musketeers’ is one of courage, friendship, conspiracy and revenge. A French villager, D’Artagnan travels all the way from Gascony to Paris with the sole ambition of becoming a musketeer in the army of King Louis XIII.
The musketeers are a force responsible for protecting the French Royal Family and only the best among the brave are bestowed with the honorable title. He challenges the King’s three best musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis to a duel and the four go on to be the thickest of friends.
They are assigned a task to protect the kingdom from the evil conspiracies of the King’s arch political rival Cardinal Richelieu, and a sly seductress of a spy called Milady. What follows is an intriguing tale of political assassination, seduction, deception, romance, revenge, jealousy, ambition, greed and more.
Why The Kids Will Love It
The plot of this longish book is rather intricate and complex and so are the characters. Despite that, the story ranks high among young readers because it has so much to offer. There are interesting twists and more than enough action and adventure to go around.
The characters are colorfully portrayed and all the evil doesn’t come without a generous dash of humor and fun. The theme and content is appropriate for adolescents and teens and is more likely to be lapped up by boys.
Both boys and girls will enjoy the exquisite language, romance and swordfights
Why You Will Love It
‘The Three Musketeers’ is a pleasurable read for young and old alike. The theme of the book is awe-inspiring and the language very mature. Since the story is based on facts (albeit loosely), it provides a reasonable insight into the political history of France and the royal culture of the time.
‘The victory of good over evil’ may not be the central message of the book, but it does shine through without being preachy. Don’t miss this action-packed thriller!
The popularity of the book inspired two others to complete The D’Artagnan Trilogy. Although the first part is known as the author’s best work, it might be worth reading the sequel, Twenty Years After
