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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Okay listen I really did enjoy this book, but the beginning drags way too long, and there are quite a few sections in the middle that are also a bit of an hinderance to the overall pace. Hugo has a beautiful pen, but unlike Les Mis, Hunchback didn’t feel as tight as it could have been. So that’s where it lost points.
The story itself is a deeply fascinating one, which reflects upon the bigotry and malice of society, even those who present themselves as the most holy. Frollo is a great villain, so creepy but also in a way weirdly multifaceted. At times I thought maybe his intentions had been good, like when separating Esmeralda from Phoebus, like we all know nothing good would have come out of that, but at the same time you remember who Frollo is and it makes you sick.
The tragedy of Esmeralda and the Hunchback, these poor outcasts that did nothing to deserve their cruel destiny, is so sad to behold. The irony for me is that I thought Les Mis was gonna be more like this, like literally miserable, but it’s a lot more hopeful than Hunchback. This book has the bleakest outlook. Thank goodness for Hugo’s sense of humour, otherwise this would have been just depressing. But obviously, both these characters are very easy to sympathise with and care for, helpless as they are. I don’t know if they’re a bit too pathetic after all, but still, hard not to feel invested.
Best part was the bits about architecture, 10/10
The story itself is a deeply fascinating one, which reflects upon the bigotry and malice of society, even those who present themselves as the most holy. Frollo is a great villain, so creepy but also in a way weirdly multifaceted. At times I thought maybe his intentions had been good, like when separating Esmeralda from Phoebus, like we all know nothing good would have come out of that, but at the same time you remember who Frollo is and it makes you sick.
The tragedy of Esmeralda and the Hunchback, these poor outcasts that did nothing to deserve their cruel destiny, is so sad to behold. The irony for me is that I thought Les Mis was gonna be more like this, like literally miserable, but it’s a lot more hopeful than Hunchback. This book has the bleakest outlook. Thank goodness for Hugo’s sense of humour, otherwise this would have been just depressing. But obviously, both these characters are very easy to sympathise with and care for, helpless as they are. I don’t know if they’re a bit too pathetic after all, but still, hard not to feel invested.
Best part was the bits about architecture, 10/10
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Contains all the elements you would like a classic to have - humor, tragedy, love, heartbreak, suspense. Very much enjoyed it (minus the long description of Paris, but that's mostly a personal preference).
I was intimidated to read this at first,probably because of Mr. Hugo's reputation, but this is such a beautiful read. If all your knowledge of the Hunchback is the Disney version, then you are sorely missing out. It's depth and soul is heartbreaking at times and infuriating at others. I'm grateful to have read a classic that captivated me at every page, as opposed to feeling like a chore.
It is so funny reading the books that any given Disney movie was based on, this one is so far from the Disney movie is is kind of an in name only thing.
For being so young when he wrote it Hugo did an amazing job expressing such a dynamic cast of characters. There was just about everything anyone could want form a book. PHEBUS WAS A PERVERT!!!! My gosh he was nothing like the glittering knight of Disney's over powdered dreams. Claude Frollo was difficult to stand at most moments, his character was visceral at times. And La Esmeralda was a naive, child like personality. Quasimodo was extremely well written, especially considering the time period the author was writing in.
The end was heart rending. I can totally see why this is a classic. It is now one of my top pick classics. It was so good and incredibly easy to read. Wonderful choice for people who want to dive into the older books, but might be hesitant about their oldness. It's been a while since I've felt this all around good after finishing a book. I can't wait to read Les Misérables :)
As for a few little things for those, like me who, care about this kind of stuff here is a note on sexual content and profanity. The sexual content got uncomfortable, but stopped before anything series happened, which was much appreciated. The profanity was strange, and I suppose, so removed from what I'm used to that it really didn't have an effect on the experience.
All in all an excellent read!
For being so young when he wrote it Hugo did an amazing job expressing such a dynamic cast of characters. There was just about everything anyone could want form a book. PHEBUS WAS A PERVERT!!!! My gosh he was nothing like the glittering knight of Disney's over powdered dreams. Claude Frollo was difficult to stand at most moments, his character was visceral at times. And La Esmeralda was a naive, child like personality. Quasimodo was extremely well written, especially considering the time period the author was writing in.
The end was heart rending. I can totally see why this is a classic. It is now one of my top pick classics. It was so good and incredibly easy to read. Wonderful choice for people who want to dive into the older books, but might be hesitant about their oldness. It's been a while since I've felt this all around good after finishing a book. I can't wait to read Les Misérables :)
As for a few little things for those, like me who, care about this kind of stuff here is a note on sexual content and profanity. The sexual content got uncomfortable, but stopped before anything series happened, which was much appreciated. The profanity was strange, and I suppose, so removed from what I'm used to that it really didn't have an effect on the experience.
All in all an excellent read!
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced