Notre-Dame of Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Or The Hunch Back of Notre Dame as its known in English. Firstly, this novel is nothing like the many film and television versions that have been made over the years. It is set in medieval Paris, a very tough time to be alive, and although Quasimodo plays a central role he is by no means the central figure. The central figure is Notre Dame itself ,all the human characters are involved with it and the story revolves about it. I found that there are very few remotely likable characters in this story, Quasimodo is probably the closest but he gets much sympathy because of his deformity which has made him totally rejected by society. Esmeralda is a rather silly little girl, which she is of course she is being in her mid teens and then there is Archdeacon Frollo, who even though he saved Quasimodo as a baby and raised him is evil. In the middle of the novel, Hugo digresses into an essay arguing that prior to the invention of the printing press architecture was how man expressed his learned knowledge from other cultures to the masses i.e incorporating designs noted on travels and brought back from military campaigns. ( This explanation is mine and is wildly simplifying what is argued) He then states that the invention of the printing press is the greatest of all inventions. (An argument that still stands today). With the printing press knowledge became available to more than the religious orders, observations from afar were able to be described simply,ideas were argued,messages spread and therefore the demise of architecture across Europe began to decline. After this essay the story returns to the characters we have have been introduced to, as stated the majority are unlikable and their fates didn't elicit any sympathy from myself with the exception of Esmeralda who was treated rather harshly which is probably a wild under statement My fun fact from the novel was learning the true meaning of "Truant" -i.e. someone who chooses to be a beggar rather than someone who begs out of necessity. This is a great novel, uplifting its not probably because the characters are so obviously human with all their faults and vanities its like looking in a mirror.

I read history not fiction. However for some reason I got this book. Could not put it down. The story is fascinating, the description of the times is tremendous. The style of writing holds my interest and forces me to read more. Well worth the read.

This is a beautiful translation. Penguin does translations very well; many of my favorite translations of the classics are Penguin editions. Their Victor Hugo editions are especially good -- they capture the poetry and rhythm of the original French while providing us with fast-paced, very readable English. And as you already know, this is a compelling story and one of those must-read novels. I really enjoyed this edition. Speaking as a Kindle reader, however, I am disappointed by the complete lack of indexing. The hyperlinked Table of Contents gives you the appendices, the introduction, and the entire novel as a single link. You cannot jump to a specific chapter. There are workarounds for this (such as bookmarking the first page of each chapter), but you expect more navigability and ease of reading from a publisher of Penguin's stature.

The Hunchback is not a novel for readers who like fast plots. This is a long (almost 700 pages), slow, thoughtful read. I learned a great deal about Paris in the 15th century, from 100 pages describing the layout of Parisian streets to loving descriptions of architecture (such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral) and how the buildings we inhabit and visit shape everything about us. When the novel was written (1830), novels were not designed to be plot-driven entertainment, but contemplative, philosophical examinations of the nature of humanity. Add to that Hugo's ability to craft glorious sentences and metaphors along with unforgettable characters, and you have a story you will never forget, even if it takes you a month to read it.

Notre Dame de Paris is not the easiest book to read, but it is good for a study of the time it takes place. It gives architectural and historical details of interest to readers interested in history, art, and literature. Hugo provides great detail to the story he tells with emotion and great passion. For someone familiar with the city of Paris and one who has claimed the bell towers, the book comes alive.

Poor translation. On almost every page, the translator decided not to translate some words/phrases/sentences, for no discernible reason. Personally, I bought the book in English because I don’t speak French and I find the lack of translation annoying.

Having been to Notre Dame in Paris made this so much more interesting as there is much discussion on the surroundings and architecture. More specifically, there are many sections of the book where Quasimoto or the archdeacon are standing high atop the cathedral looking down the river Seine. It is so easy to imagine those scenes after being there. It is a highly intriguing story by an immensely talented author. I give it five stars mostly because of Hugo's ability. However, it does not compete with Les Miserables (there aren't many novels that do)that was written quite a few years (30) later. I would highly recommend it.

good classic for kids

A eulogy to a remarkable Paris landmark and classic tragedy. Hugo’s work is a passionate defence of Gothic architecture and an attack on the damage inflicted by urban development and reckless planning. It is also is a detailed study of medieval society addressing themes such as poverty, inequality and the growth of local bureaucracy. Here also is the anti royalist resentment which was to boil over in the revolution of 1789. Hugo provides a detailed description of the early evolution of Paris, from its roads and buildings to its tripartite structure. Other elements of interest are alchemy, witchcraft, the emergence of the printing press the folly of religious celibacy and the notions of beauty and ugliness, good and evil. Not what you may expect but a tragic story of misplaced love and tragic devotion.

La edición es buena; sin embargo, estoy algo decepcionada porque el libro (a pesar de ser nuevo) estaba un poco maltratado, no he pedido devolución porque realmente lo que me interesa es el contenido; pero si pagamos por un libro nuevo, creo que al menos merecemos que venga bien protegido y en buen estado.

Fantastic work. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded. An absolute classic, and with good reason.

I read this book when in my teenage. Decided to buy it for my granddaughter. Good book easy to read.

J'ai acheté ce livre pour mon petit fils qui est australien et je souhaite lui transmettre une partie de sa culture française avec cette belle histoire. Livre reçu en parfait état. très bon vendeur