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This book is a classic but was frustrating at times as a novel. The story is quite fabulous and even the internal ruminations of the characters (which are missing from the abridged version I accidentally started before I found this unabridged new translation) while a bit long winded are nonetheless essential for character development and tone. The biggest problem for me were the ponderous essays Hugo would throw into the novel about the French Revolution, socialism, insurgency and even the histo
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This book is second in my list of favorites. Perhaps it was because I read it while I was obsessed with the musical. Sure enough, I ended up appreciating the book far more than the musical. And quite frankly, when I discovered that Hugo had on his last will and testament that his masterpiece not be set to music, I saw the musical creators as spineless. I know that is harsh, and that Hugo is dead, but I really do think this book shines through like music. It does not need music to belittle it. It
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This book changes you. A wonderful long read that amazingly leaves you wanting more. In so many ways this book is grand in scope and intimate with character detail. If you love the musical this fills in so many other layers. The two works of art, excellent in each their own way, compliments each other so well. Very much worth the effort.
Jun 07, 2011
Lisa
marked it as to-read
Jun 24, 2011
Dolores
marked it as to-read
Jul 10, 2011
Sushrutha
marked it as to-read
Jul 11, 2011
Catherine
marked it as to-read
Jul 25, 2011
Max
marked it as to-read
Jul 26, 2011
John
marked it as own-to-read
Aug 12, 2011
Henry Avila
marked it as to-read
Dec 24, 2011
Ruth Zerbe
marked it as to-read
Feb 11, 2016
Jennifer Ramby
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