The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
Published by Penguin Classics
Publication Date October 26th 1978
Source: Library
Genres: Classic
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More commonly known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Victor Hugo's Romantic novel of dark passions and unrequited love
In the vaulted Gothic towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral lives Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer. Mocked and shunned for his appearance, he is pitied only by Esmerelda, a beautiful gypsy dancer to whom he becomes completely devoted. Esmerelda, however, has also attracted the attention of the sinister archdeacon Claude Frollo, and when she rejects his lecherous approaches, Frollo hatches a plot to destroy her, that only Quasimodo can prevent. Victor Hugo's sensational, evocative novel brings life to the medieval Paris he loved, and mourns its passing in one of the greatest historical romances of the nineteenth century.
John Sturrock's clear, contemporary translation is accompanied by an introduction discussing it as a passionate novel of ideas, written in defence of Gothic architecture and of a burgeoning democracy, and demonstrating that an ugly exterior can conceal moral beauty.
I have been in a major reader’s funk, I’ve had trouble becoming interested in one single novel or holding my attention. For me this is very rare! To the point of being concerned. Unfortunately, The Hunchback of Notre Dame had to fall in the period.
Several years ago I had a friend who had applied to Washington University in St. Louis. I was living there at the time and being unavailable she asked me to check it out and videotape it for her. The architecture was outstanding, with a plethora of gargoyles, so much so that every 30 seconds someone would exclaim “Look over here — gargoyles!” It would have made a fantastic drinking game.
Hugo’s novel is very much like this, rich in detail imbedding an exact replica in the reader’s head. In fact, I believe Victor Hugo himself, sums it up perfectly: ‘quiconque naissait poète se faisait architecte’ (“whoever is born a poet becomes an architect”)
“In the first place, how one’s ears are stunned with the noise!– how one’s eyes are dazzled! Overhead, is a double roof of pointed arches, ceiled with carved wood, painted sky blue, and studded with gold; underfoot, pavement of alternate squares of black and white marble. A few paces from us stands an enormous pillar, then another, then another; in all seven pillars intercepting the hall longitudinally, and supporting the thrust of the double-vaulted roof.”
I could go on and on but I would most likely get carpal tunnel.
Like Esmeralda’s fate, it is still unclear why I put The Hunchback of Notre Dame aside, the characters were well-developed, and it had a plot that was definitely “going somewhere”. Maybe another time, with a different mind-set, I can truly give Quasimodo the appreciation he deserves.
I STILL haven't finished Notre Dame de Paris, and I think I started it in like 2007. Paris a vol d'oiseau makes me angrier than any chapter of any other book.
Funk's suck. I hope you get out of yours soon. 🙁
You know I tried to read that in High School and just couldn't quite get through it 🙁
I understand funks! Here is hoping yours doesn't last too long!
It can be hard to get through, but it is well worth it! Hope you get the inspiration you need to pick it back up.
Oh, I completely understand what you mean about the right book at the wrong time. That's why it's so great when you feel like you read THE book that really understands you at a certain point, and often that same book doesn't get the same reaction from you later on because you aren't at that exact emotional state for it any more.
Maybe you can try Hunchback again later- if not, I'm sure there are LOADS of other books that will be worth your while!