The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Victor Hugo · 1802–1885 · France
Originally Notre-Dame de Paris (French)
Why it matters
Hugo's Gothic pageant of medieval Paris, written partly to save the crumbling cathedral itself, and it worked. The novel as preservation campaign, and the origin of one of literature's most enduring outcasts.
At a glance
gothichistorical fiction
Difficulty 5/10slow pace512 pagesDense architectural and historical digression surrounds a comparatively simple plot.
Where to go next
Victor Hugo · 1829The Last Day of a Condemned ManLvl 3Slow burn
Victor Hugo · 1862Les MisérablesLvl 5Slow burn
Victor Hugo · 1866Toilers of the SeaLvl 5Fast paced
Victor Hugo · 1869The Man Who LaughsLvl 6Medium pace
Victor Hugo · 1874Ninety-ThreeLvl 5Medium pace
Gustave Flaubert · 1857Madame BovaryLvl 5Slow burn