The Hunchback of Notre Dame Adapted by Malvina G. Vogel Written by Victor Hugo
This extraordinary historical novel, set in Medieval Paris under the twin towers of its greatest structure and supreme symbol, the cathedral of Notre-Dame, is the haunting drama of Quasimodo, the hunchback; Esmeralda, the gypsy dancer; and Claude Frollo, the priest tortured by the specter of his own damnation. Shaped by a profound sense of tragic irony, it is a work that gives full play to Victor Hugo’s brilliant historical imagination and his remarkable powers of description.
This edition adapted for young readers by Malvina G. Vogel.
Non-review Rant
After Alice in Wonderland, this was another classic that I found. This book has an interesting backstory as well. About two months ago, I went upstairs to hang clothes on the dryline. My niece, who is always trying to showoff her toys etc, came running with a small book. In her lisping lingo, she was trying to tell me what the book was about, and I just couldn’t understand her. I also didn’t have the time to talk to her much, no thanks to the task at hand, and the naggin thought of getting back to my work desk and get to work.
Later that day, I asked me niece to bring that book for me to read. She ran pstairs, and came back empty-handed.
“Phuphi, I can’t find that book.”
And this went on for weeks: I’d remind her to find that book, and she’d say, nahin mil rahi.
Finally, At the end of October, one day, when she was going to live at her nani’s house for a few days, she brought me the book.
And here I am, with a small review.
Recap
Come on… I do not need to tell you what this is about. In short, it’s about a hunchback man Quasimodo living in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in 15th century Paris. That’s not of much help, because that’s evident from the title.
Cuddy: Are you being intentionally dense?
House: Huh?
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My surprise read of the month!
It was a great story with fantastic illustrations giving a glimpse of Paris in the yesteryears. Even though I have no read the origial, I had a strong feeling that the adaptation did justice to the story.
You know the backstory, now’s the time for another trip down the memory lane. Set in Paris, this book inevitably reminded me of The Three Musketeers. I read the Urdu, illustrated adaptation when I was in school, and I was mesmerized. Back then, I did not know the concept of Historical Fiction. I read history in school, and reading a story that was similar to history but more readable. It was quite an experience, and I read the book several times until it was sent back to wherever it came from. I still don’t know who brought it to our house.
Sigh! Memories.
Anywho, so this book was quite similar in describing the social injustice in Paris in 15th century. While The Three Musketeers was more about soldiers, this was more about regular people. Both charming stories.
Why It’s Still Worth Reading
Even though it was abridged version with illustrations etc, it gave me a glimpse of the original text which I have half-a-mind to read some day. Yet again, it proved that classics can be fun. It’s short, clever, and the illustrations are AMAZING. Don’t avoid it thinking it’s “just for kids”. It’s not.
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Stay tuned for more book reviews.
Until next time, happy reading!
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Shabana Mukhtar