The Hunchback of Notre Dame

This novel by Victor Hugo is a gothic masterpiece. Set in medieval Paris and published in 1831, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a classic of French literature and the inspiration for over a dozen films. This book is the haunting tale of Quasimodo the hunchback, seen through the eyes of beautiful gypsy dancer Esmeralda and the novel's main protagonist, priest Claude Frollo.The Hunchback of Notre Dame is set in 1482 under the twin towers of the cathedral of Notre Dame. This iconic building envelops the story and acts as a metaphor for beauty and beast. Shaped by a profound sense of tragic irony, this work highlights Victor Hugo's brilliant descriptive powers and deep historical imagination.The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a story of sexual desire, painful obsession, and the deceptive powers of self and society. It demonstrates the difference between true love and selfish passion and the horrors that come when the two are confused. While this book is heartbreaking and tragic, there are also many moments of beauty and humor. The Hunchback of Notre Dame highlights the tragedy of obsession through the lens of medieval France. Read more