Rebecca, I have been meaning to read Les Mis for years but its bulk has kept me from it. I think this was a nice introduction to Hugo, a small and less intimidating taste.

Daphne, the spectacle of it all is horrifying, but Hugo makes a good point in his essay that hiding it away implies the State knows it is doing wrong and is ashamed and guilty to let the public see the truth.

Dorothy, I can’t wait to hear what you make of it. I totally forgot about the little drama! It was rather humorous.

Iliana, I am looking forward to hearing about the book you are reading. I’d like to read Hunchback sometime. Maybe I will get to it before Les Mis.

Sylvia, you crack me up!

Danielle, I am glad you laughed. While I was reading and realized I was wishing he was just get his head cut off already I felt horrified, but then I immediately blamed Hugo for my reaction and I felt much better

Alyce, yes, you are right. Hugo was trying to walk too thin of a line I think, making his character general enough that it could be anyone–there but for the grace of God kind of thing–but specific enough that the reader is sympathetic. He couldn’t quite pull it off.

Grad, this is a new translation so maybe it wasn’t that available before. I am hoping to one day have a soft spot for Les Miserable too