The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
This novel, by one of the most important writers of French literature, Victor Hugo, is set in Paris during the end of the 15th century. There are many characters in this book, the main ones are: Frollo, the priest whose heart is full of hatred & lustful desire for women and of fear of the new ideas that spread through Europe during the beginning of Renaissance. Quasimodo, a simpleton at heart who was abandoned by his parents because he looked like a monster. Then there is Esmeralda, who was stolen by gypsy when she was a baby. She wants to believe in love, but can only see the superficial in people, not what they really are. And finally, the most important character: the cathedral Notre Dame de Paris.
The first time I tried to read it, I stopped after 50 pages. The book starts with a huge description of Paris during the end of the middle ages. The author complains how Paris is getting disfigured with new buildings. Frankly, it got boring at this stage. But after years, when I came back to this book, this description that got to me the first time, now was a pleasure to read. And I wondered what would Victor Hugo have to say about the Paris of 21st century if he were to come back now!
This book is like a movie (it was adapted to cinema many a times). The characters are very engaging and the plot keeps taking interesting turns. Line after line, chapter after chapter you want to know what happen next and it is hard to stop reading even when it’s late and you know you have to wake up early. I think this book shows how complicated human heart is. The sad part is, finishing the book is like saying goodbye to some old friends.
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This post was submitted by Cécile.
