The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo - group read.

In case anyone was in doubt, I"ve given up on this book read. Please don't wait for me to catch up, if that's what you're doing, because I might not be inished for months. Too damn busy.

Jane wrote:

In case anyone was in doubt, I"ve given up on this book read. Please don't wait for me to catch up, if that's what you're doing, because I might not be inished for months. Too damn busy.

The same goes for me. Sorry, guys.

That's fine. You guys got clobbered with homework and other school activities. We tried, but the timing just wasn't there. Still, I will say that, when you do have the chance, finish the book. It is worth it.

I totally understand, guys. Please don't feel pressured, but if you have time, do try to finish it. It's a true masterpiece.

XXXX keep

I just realized I signed up for the group read but haven't commented on the book once. It's pretty late to do that now, but here goes!

I first read this book in seventh grade and have been meaning to reread it for a while, since Hugo is one of my favorite authors. You guys gave me the prod I needed. Thanks! :-)

Not too many of my opinions have changed, really. I still want to slap Phoebus (ahem--Captain Playboy) in the face, hard. Esmeralda isn't very intelligent sometimes, but when I look at the situation she's in, I can't help but sympathize with her.

Quasimodo is awesome, and his devotion to Esmeralda despite his knowledge that she won't return his love makes me want to give him a hug. The "water" scene is brilliantly written and makes me cry. Same goes for the last chapter. I strongly feel Paquette should not be as neglected as I've heard she is by movie versions--she has some really good monologues at the end. Finally, Pierre Gringoire has all the funniest scenes and is my favorite character in the book, even if his obsession with the goat is a bit odd.

I felt a bit less interested in Frollo this time around. I honestly have no idea why. I still think he's a well written character, and his inner struggle is well shown. Maybe the abridger left something out? Last time, I read it unabridged.

All in all, it's a wonderful book. Hugo is a great author--he always words things so perfectly. I should read more of his books.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Magda. They are fascinating, as always!
I always thought that Captain P's attitude was a great portrayal about how laziness and ignorance is not benign. How indifference almost always contributes to evil instead of doing anything productive.
Quasimodo's plight broke my literary heart. I almost couldn't think at all when I read that his skeleton crumbled, I was focusing on keeping my eyes clear to finish the book.