We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)
Snow Line (7)
Yes, it's tough to pay attention to this book sometimes. But all in all, the prose isn't that difficult and the plot is fairly straightforward. Just be careful with some of Stendhal's long descriptions of what's going on inside characters' minds. They can become total black holes, and you'll catch your eyes glazing over if you don't read them carefully.
Oh yeah, and be sure to read the reference notes at the back if your book has them. Stendhal assumes an awful lot about our knowledge of French history.