Book Review: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas – A Classic Romance With Surprising Depth

by L. J. Anderson

I recently finished reading The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, and I have a lot of thoughts. This is a book I’ve wanted to read for years—mainly because I’m a big fan of the 1993 movie adaptation. I’ve watched that version more times than I can count, so I figured the book would be just as enjoyable, if not more.

But surprisingly, that wasn’t quite the case for me.

First Impressions and Language Barriers

Originally published in the 1800s but set in 1625, The Three Musketeers is a historical romance filled with sword fights, political intrigue, and courtly love. One of the initial hurdles I faced was the language. The translation was done well, but the overall style had older sentence structures, unfamiliar expressions, and a rhythm I had to adjust to. Part of the problem here is that I don’t read a lot of classic literature, though I’m trying to read more of it these days.

Once I found the groove, though, I did start to enjoy it. That said, it’s probably not a book I’ll revisit. Which feels odd because I still rewatch the movie often and thoroughly enjoy it.

Romance and Love: A Superficial Take?

One of my main critiques has to do with how love and relationships are portrayed in the book. As a romance novel, The Three Musketeers seems more interested in depicting infatuation than actual love. Characters fall head over heels the moment they see a beautiful face, and that’s supposed to count as love. Personally, I found that shallow and frustrating.

Marriage, sex, and romance are all treated as fleeting emotions rather than deep commitments. While the book doesn’t include explicit scenes, it does strongly imply physical relationships without any serious reflection. Whether this was Dumas’ commentary on 17th-century society or simply how romance was written at the time, I found it difficult to connect with on a meaningful level.

A Glimpse Into Historical Theology

What surprised me most was how much theology is woven into the story. Given the era it’s set in—and when it was written—it makes sense that religion plays a role. Almost everyone in the narrative is a believer of some sort, and you can feel the tension between Catholic and Protestant factions throughout the plot.

As someone who enjoys thinking deeply about theology and philosophy, I was tempted to dig into these moments more. However, because of the historical complexity and the religious conflicts of the time, I decided to simply appreciate it for what it is. There’s a lot to explore if you want to, though, and I think both Catholics and Protestants would find moments that resonate with, or challenge, their views.

The Ending: A Bittersweet Surprise

This part contains some spoilers, so skip ahead if you’re planning to read the book.

The ending surprised me—and not necessarily in a good way. Unlike the movie, where D’Artagnan gets the girl and everything wraps up neatly, the book takes a different route. The woman he loves dies. The antagonist, Cardinal Richelieu, survives and keeps his position of power. Instead of a fairytale ending, we get a more historically accurate but emotionally unsatisfying conclusion.

That’s not inherently a flaw. After all, the characters are based on real people, and history doesn’t always give us the closure we want. Still, as someone who enjoys a well-rounded story arc, I found it lacking.

Final Thoughts: Book vs. Movie

At the end of the day, I did enjoy reading The Three Musketeers, but I honestly prefer the movie. That may have a lot to do with having seen it so many times before reading the book. I’m used to its pacing, its balance of action and humor, and its more modern approach to storytelling.

Where the book leans heavily into romantic drama, the movie feels more like an action-adventure with romantic subplots, which is more my style. That said, there are scenes in the book that outshine the movie, especially when it comes to emotional depth and historical context. Some of the best moments in the book felt richer and more powerful than their cinematic counterparts.

Would I Recommend It?

Yes—with a caveat. If you’re someone who enjoys classic literature, historical fiction, or romance with a dose of action and political intrigue, this book is worth your time. Just know going in that the language may take some getting used to, and the romantic elements might feel a bit dated or superficial.

For me, it’s a solid four out of five stars in terms of quality. But based on personal preference, I’d give it a three. It’s a great book, just not quite my kind of book.

Support the Channel

If you’re interested in reading The Three Musketeers, I have a few copies available on my eBay store. You can also find it on Amazon. I don’t use affiliate links, so you’re not padding my wallet by shopping there, but if you’d like to support me directly, buying from my eBay store helps me keep doing what I do. Additionally, you can find my books on Amazon or really wherever you like to get your books. Here is a link to my Amazon profile page!

Thanks for stopping by, and until next time—God bless.