64 pages • 2 hours read
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
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Book Brief
544
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1480s
1831
Adult
16+ years
GN580L
Super Short Summary
In 15th-century Paris, Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre-Dame tells the intertwined tales of Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame; Esmeralda, a Romani dancer; and Archdeacon Claude Frollo, who harbors obsessive desires towards Esmeralda. Their lives become tragically entangled, driven by love, jealousy, and societal prejudice, leading to dramatic and heartbreaking consequences. The novel includes depictions of discrimination against Romani people, as well as ableism.
Melancholic
Dark
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
207,152 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is widely acclaimed for its intricate narrative and rich historical setting of 15th-century Paris. Praised for Hugo's vivid characterizations and profound themes, it also faces criticism for its dense, descriptive passages which some readers find cumbersome. Overall, it remains a monumental work of Gothic literature, lauded for its emotional depth and social commentary.
Who Should Read The Hunchback of Notre-Dame?
A reader who enjoys classic literature, rich historical settings, and intricate character development will appreciate Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Comparable to fans of Les Misérables and The Count of Monte Cristo, this novel appeals to those fascinated by Gothic architecture, tragic romance, and social commentary.
207,152 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Esmeralda
Esmeralda
A young and captivating Romany dancer in Paris, known for her beauty and her pet goat Djali, who navigates prejudice while seeking love and acceptance in a harsh society.
Quasimodo
Quasimodo
The hunchbacked and hearing-impaired bell-ringer of Notre-Dame cathedral, who is isolated due to his physical appearance but finds solace in the church bells and in his relationship with Esmeralda.
Pierre Gringoire
Pierre Gringoire
A struggling playwright and street performer who becomes Esmeralda's platonic husband under unusual circumstances and is entangled in the unfolding drama in Paris.
544
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1480s
1831
Adult
16+ years
GN580L
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