Victor Hugo created many literary works, but “Hunchback Of Notre Dame” is surely considered to be his best one. If you or anyone shall want to read just one book in your life – then this is it! You won’t be tempted to take another book in our hands for a long time after finishing this novel.

The novel saw the world in 1831. It is hard to call it a Gothic novel or a Romantic one as literary theorists tend to do. It is a book, a symphony, a play, and a masterpiece in one creation.

Imagine France in the Middle Ages, where the religion and the monarchs dominate every aspect of people’s lives. Majestic buildings are erected on the backdrop of great poverty. Spectacular events happen with ordinary people. Black magic is discovered in the sacred places.

The story begins with Quasimodo being elected the ugliest of all people and creatures in Paris. This steals the attention of a cheering crowd from Pierre Gringoire’s performance. He then saves Esmerelda’s life from the attack of Bishop Frollo and Quasimodo and soon the girl agrees to temporarily marry him.

When the hunchback is tortured for the attack, it’s Esmerelda who takes pity on him and brings him water. Esmerelda grows fond of Phoebus and it makes Quasimodo jealous. All the characters of the novel are unique and unforgettable. They are loved and hated by the society, but they each build their own life story from the stones the destiny has given them.

The key definition of “Hunchback Of Notre Dame” is ambiguity. Things around us are never black and white, right or wrong. There’s cruelty residing in the beautiful cathedral, love finding its way in an ugly body. This lengthy and rich text has a majestic ability to distract from reality and engage the reader into a real discussion with oneself.

Author: David Sutton