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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love the show and I've always wanted to read the book to get the full story. I was not disappointed at all! The translation I read was not clunky and old, like I expected.
The ultimate story of forgiveness and family. Highly recommend!
The ultimate story of forgiveness and family. Highly recommend!
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
While I have some gripes with this tome, it’s ultimately one of the greatest novels every written, and a literary achievement for the ages.
The themes of crimes and punishment, the vindication of humanity, the repressive social structures, all being woven in the timeline story of a father and daughter across time, is exceptionally written (hats off to the translator for this monumental task).
My problems with the novel stems from me not understanding it is written as a part a biography of war, and the history of Paris and France, and admittedly I skimmed a few sections.
If you’re interested in France or French history then this is a must read.
But this book might not be for everyone.
The themes of crimes and punishment, the vindication of humanity, the repressive social structures, all being woven in the timeline story of a father and daughter across time, is exceptionally written (hats off to the translator for this monumental task).
My problems with the novel stems from me not understanding it is written as a part a biography of war, and the history of Paris and France, and admittedly I skimmed a few sections.
If you’re interested in France or French history then this is a must read.
But this book might not be for everyone.
Like most people, I came to this book because of the musical.
It was interesting for a while. And then the long, pointless tangents began. And kept coming. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if Hugo had stuck to the story (which still affected me) instead of going off on hundreds of pages of tangents about the Paris sewers, a description of the battle of Waterloo that was 80 pages and served no purpose to the story except for the last couple of sentences, the origins of the word "argot", prostitution and others.
I made myself finish the book, and many was the time I found myself regretting that decision.
It was interesting for a while. And then the long, pointless tangents began. And kept coming. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if Hugo had stuck to the story (which still affected me) instead of going off on hundreds of pages of tangents about the Paris sewers, a description of the battle of Waterloo that was 80 pages and served no purpose to the story except for the last couple of sentences, the origins of the word "argot", prostitution and others.
I made myself finish the book, and many was the time I found myself regretting that decision.
3.5 It was interesting to me to read this now after seeing the stage show so many times. I knew there would be quite a bit that had been left out, but for some reason, I was still surprised. Such a rich story. Got a little bogged down in the political stuff in the second half, but there was enough of the characters' stories intertwined that I was able to stay with it. I admit, I "heard" the various songs in my head as I read and recognized the scenes. :)
I read this whole unabridged paperback book the summer I was pregnant with Sammie. I took it with me everywhere.