Publisher's Synopsis
In the heart of medieval Paris, beneath the towering arches of the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, an unforgettable drama unfolds. Quasimodo, the deformed and isolated bell-ringer, lives a life of shadow and solitude-until he crosses paths with Esmeralda, a compassionate and spirited Romani dancer who captures the hearts and obsessions of many. Among them is the sinister Archdeacon Claude Frollo, whose religious devotion twists into dark desire. As Hugo weaves together the destinies of these unforgettable characters, he paints a vivid and sweeping portrait of a city teeming with corruption, intolerance, and human suffering-balanced only by fleeting moments of love, beauty, and redemption. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is not just a story of a tragic romance; it is also a bold critique of social injustice and a passionate plea for compassion and understanding. A true classic of world literature, Victor Hugo's masterpiece stands as a monumental achievement in historical fiction, one that continues to resonate with readers for its emotional power and timeless relevance.