Fair enough, I've heard this sentiment from people who don't love the book and I understand it. That said, I feel differently. I love everything in between, seeing the mental "chess matches" the Count is playing and trying to figure out his intentions, how he's gaining the faith of all the players on his chess board. I absolutely love all of it and found it riveting. And then the ending really sticks the landing. But I can understand how some would check out around the time he returns to France.