Victor Hugo, the genius behind 'Les Misérables,' does it again with a story that's just as epic and heartbreaking. 'The Man Who Laughs' is set in 17th-century England, a place of harsh contrasts between dazzling wealth and desperate poverty.

The Story

We follow Gwynplaine, a boy from a noble family who was kidnapped and mutilated by a group called the Comprachicos, leaving him with a permanent, horrifying smile. Thrown out in the cold, he saves a baby girl named Dea, who is blind. They are taken in by the wandering philosopher Ursus. As adults, Gwynplaine becomes a famous fairground attraction—the crowd laughs at his face, not with him—while Dea, who cannot see his disfigurement, loves him purely. Their fragile world is shattered when Gwynplaine's true identity is discovered, pulling him into a corrupt aristocracy that finds his face amusing for entirely different reasons. He's forced to choose between a hollow title in a glittering palace and the true love he found in the shadows.

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. It's not just a historical drama; it's a deep, furious look at how society treats those who are different. Gwynplaine's smile is a prison, but it also makes him see the world with painful clarity. Hugo's anger at injustice burns through every page, but so does his belief in love and resilience, shown through the beautiful bond between Gwynplaine and Dea. It's a story about where we find real value—in external rank, or in internal truth.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love rich historical settings packed with big ideas and even bigger emotions. If you enjoyed the social depth of 'Les Mis' but want a more intimate, bizarre, and gothic tale, this is your next great read. Be ready for lengthy descriptions—Hugo loves his tangents—but they build a world so vivid you'll feel the English chill and the heat of the theater lights. A challenging, unforgettable masterpiece.