“All for one and one for all”. What a famous line. It speaks so simply and purely to a sense of loyalty that cannot always be so easily found in life. Even those we may spend years with in our lives, can turn out to be less loyal than the worst dog (we know the best dogs are loyal beyond what we deserve). To find true loyalty in a human companion can be tough. It may be my animality as an ape that makes me value loyalty more than the average person, but I found true delight in reading about a group of friends who were loyal to the point of death.
The Three Musketeers is undoubtedly a swashbuckling adventure that could be seen as the perfect fodder for preteen boys to enjoy but the fact that it has captured the public’s imagination for centuries shows that it has some kind of universal appeal. Growing up in the 90’s my version of the four friends was immediately the cast of the film The Man in The Iron Mask (1998). I learned in the lead up to the book that the story of that film is the sequel. But this story is the first one in the series.
Originally published as a serialized story, each chapter ends with a near-cliffhanger, leading the reader eagerly into the next. It’s a fun and adventurous read. Having strolled the cobblestone street of Paris myself before, and standing in the place where the famous Bastille prison stood (an overbearing shadow for enemies of the cardinal throughout the story), walking the avenues that these characters walked, where history hangs in the air, gave the experience of reading this book a visceral feel. Imagining seeing these musketeers parading their flamboyant outfits and being ready to cross swords with whichever foe crossed their path gave a sweet feeling of gallantry.
Of course, D’Artangnan is the featured protagonist but the 3 musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis play their wonderfully significant roles. The villains in Milady de Winter and the Count Rochefort (and the cardinal above them all) make interesting antagonists to our 4 heroes. Although there may be many ideological criticisms of the book, calling it misogynistic or nationalistic, the fact is that it’s mainly meant to be a frolic of fun.
Although death and deception flow throughout the book, the action and adventure keep the reader turning the pages. In a time of my life where I have had to lean on those most loyal to me while finding out that someone I loved was a root of deception and pain, this book reached into my guts and grabbed my attention. It held it steadfast for the few days that I went through the pages.
I’m so very glad for the people who stand by me. Who accept me for the ape I am. Imperfect and flawed but full of love and life that I strive to give to all who receive and appreciate it. Those friends who have stood by my side for decades and seen me grow from a floundering adolescent to a somewhat functional adult. Thank you. As you have been there for me, I hope I can be there for you.
