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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
dark
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
"His gnome-like eye, resting upon her, flooded with tenderness, grief, and pity, and was suddenly lifted, flashing fire. Then the women laughed and wept, the mob stamped with enthusiasm, for at that instant Quasimodo was truly beautiful. He was beautiful,-- he, that orphan, that foundling, that outcast; he felt himself to be august and strong; he confronted that society which he was banished, and with whose decrees he had so powerfully interfered, that human justice from which he had wrested its prey, all those tigers with empty jaws, those myrmidons, those judges, those executioners, all that royal will which he had crushed, he,--the lowliest of creatures, with the strength of God."
The first part of this book was a dredge. Victor Hugo is well-known for his descriptive language, and the way in which he introduces us to the characters, plot, and Notre Dame itself seemed to feel as if it would never end. Even after finishing this behemoth, I'm not sure I needed half the descriptions that I was given, however I do retain some awe that someone simply sat down and wrote this. It is considered a classic for a reason. Halfway through the novel I couldn't put it down, and the ache I feel upon finishing is how I determine my rating.
The first part of this book was a dredge. Victor Hugo is well-known for his descriptive language, and the way in which he introduces us to the characters, plot, and Notre Dame itself seemed to feel as if it would never end. Even after finishing this behemoth, I'm not sure I needed half the descriptions that I was given, however I do retain some awe that someone simply sat down and wrote this. It is considered a classic for a reason. Halfway through the novel I couldn't put it down, and the ache I feel upon finishing is how I determine my rating.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
An absolute tragedy, haunting, piercing, emotionally devastating, heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, wince-inducing, soul-crushing and I loved it! 'Twas the quintessential Victor Hugo tale. I was very impressed with the audio presentation, although the intermittent music was more annoying than anything. One thing that I cannot reconcile is, why do SO MANY interpretations of this story cast Phoebus as a hero, or at least bafoonish bystander, when he is among the vilest of villains?! Honestly, I loathe Phoebus even more than Frollo! I have to wonder, did the creators of the Harley Quinn-Joker relationship (if you can call it that) get inspiration from the Esmeralda-Phoebus dynamic that Hugo created? (Insert pensive beard stroke.)
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Very readable classic. I was surprised to find that La Esmerelda was actually the main character and the foil. There were five characters who all showed their true colors by developing a strong passion towards her. Worth reading, but note that the story is VERY different from the Disney movie!
Victor Hugo owes me financial compensation for emotional damages.