The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards is one of the most extraordinary works of fiction I have read in a long time. This book is a beautiful exploration of depression, sadness, hiding, and decisions through a heartrending tale. This story had a special place in my heart because my husband's uncle had Down Syndrome and they were given a similar prognosis when he was born. He unfortunately did have a heart condition, so he died just before I met my husband, but the love that the entire family had for him is the glue that bonds them together. The struggles that his family endured to give Johnny opportunities were very similar to those of Caroline in the story. This is a real story, even if it is fiction.
The voice and language of this book is phenomenal. This book is the epitome of enjoyable descriptive writing. The fluidity of this book entices you to continue reading. Each person in the book makes questionable and often obviously wrong decisions, and she uses the freedom of this story line to explore the effects of those decisions on the family unit and all the characters, individually. It is a story of secrets and how damaging they can be for a family, especially secrets of this magnitude. I would describe Kim Edwards as one of the best authors of our time. I can't wait to read her other book and anything she will publish in the future.
If you have a heart for people with special needs, you should read this book. If you don't, you should read this book and let your heart grow inside of you. This book would be great for book clubs or people dealing with depression. I don't want to ruin this book at all so I will leave my review brief. It is great. Everyone should read it. This is worth your time.
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Book Review: Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I was very conflicted with this book, as I think anyone who reads it should be.
I definitely understand why it is one of the most widely read books in American literature. Margaret Mitchell created a protagonist that I can barely stand (Scarlett O'Hara), but somehow I still needed to know what happened to her and wanted good things for her. Not many writers can do that. Her writing style is enticing, always looping me in to reading more. Each of her characters, even with their blatant faults, make me want to be different. Melanie makes me want to see the good in all people. Ashley creates a need in me to want to enjoy the culture that I am now a part of because it will change very soon. Scarlett's character inspired me to find true meaning in life through her failure to understand how to find happiness outside of money. Her ineptitude at reading people and judging character makes me desire more perceptiveness when characterizing a person's demeanor. Even the rogue Rhett Butler inspired me with how he gave his love freely, even if it did hurt him because he put others (granted, others that he actually cared about) before himself.
However, in issues of race, this book was a painful read. Her constant affiliations of all "watermelon-tongued" black characters (yes, that is a direct quote) with labradors and monkeys and children who need guidance definitely tell you that this book was written in another time. I was more surprised by how recently it was written. I now understand why this book has been banned by different organization over time. Her glorification of house slaves who chose to remain with their masters was shocking. Her "Mammy" character was the personification of her desire for blacks to be accepting of and understanding about slavery. That's an entire other discussion right there. If you are black and you read this book, it will make you straight up angry. Considering how angry I got at times, I can't imagine what it would make you feel, so I apologize for this horribly racist book. I didn't write it but I feel like someone should apologize for it.
Her glorification of the South was very interesting because history is always written by the winners. And while Scarlett isn't exactly a loser because she didn't really support the cause, she falls into a category of others that identify with the South. What I learned during my schooling of the Civil War was that the South lost and was upset about it and did everything possible during Reconstruction to change back to their old ways. That was true to the book. Most teachers, however, always made Reconstruction out to be a huge flop that was never very successful or overbearing. Mitchell describes it as a horrible time of foreign invasion, starvation, and human atrocities by Scallawags, Carpetbaggers and blacks. I never really heard that side before. You learn that terminology in school, but I always somehow felt distant from it, as though only a few people felt that way about them. She concentrated a lot on black-on-white rape. Most history books mention this fear, but they don't come close to painting the picture of the terror she describes. Her insistence that the "Lost Cause" was states' rights was laughable because she often stated that it was upsetting that the southern "way of life" was disappearing. That way of life could have only existed through slavery. I think the most disturbing part was the way in which she didn't outright agree with the Ku Klux Klan because she thought it extreme, but she obviously understood and agreed with the reasoning behind it. Once again, that belief is NEVER held in history books. I think this books should be read with Civil War/Reconstruction units just so people know how racist people could be at that time period.
Her stance on women's rights was most intriguing throughout the book. Near the beginning of the book she briefly brushes aside lunatics like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a women's rights activist. No southern girl would ever support her. She constantly points out that women should be strictly under their husbands' guidance at all times. However, she uses the rest of the book to show that Scarlett O'Hara is a better businessman and thinker than many men. She adds figures in her head, a feat not even her beloved Ashley can accomplish. She may have been dull about interpersonal relations, but she had business sense. I later read that Mitchell's mother was a women's rights activist, so you can see how she used this book to further the idea that women can be just as good or better than men at many jobs.
I felt that this book was one of the best and worst books I have ever read, which is why I gave it four stars. I recommend it to most readers (definitely not all) because there is a point of view in the book that is nowhere near what most of us know and agree with. I think that because I so strongly disagreed with her on so many points, I was able to ensure my exact position on these topics. A very odd and challenging book, but for the most part worth the read.
I was very conflicted with this book, as I think anyone who reads it should be.
I definitely understand why it is one of the most widely read books in American literature. Margaret Mitchell created a protagonist that I can barely stand (Scarlett O'Hara), but somehow I still needed to know what happened to her and wanted good things for her. Not many writers can do that. Her writing style is enticing, always looping me in to reading more. Each of her characters, even with their blatant faults, make me want to be different. Melanie makes me want to see the good in all people. Ashley creates a need in me to want to enjoy the culture that I am now a part of because it will change very soon. Scarlett's character inspired me to find true meaning in life through her failure to understand how to find happiness outside of money. Her ineptitude at reading people and judging character makes me desire more perceptiveness when characterizing a person's demeanor. Even the rogue Rhett Butler inspired me with how he gave his love freely, even if it did hurt him because he put others (granted, others that he actually cared about) before himself.
However, in issues of race, this book was a painful read. Her constant affiliations of all "watermelon-tongued" black characters (yes, that is a direct quote) with labradors and monkeys and children who need guidance definitely tell you that this book was written in another time. I was more surprised by how recently it was written. I now understand why this book has been banned by different organization over time. Her glorification of house slaves who chose to remain with their masters was shocking. Her "Mammy" character was the personification of her desire for blacks to be accepting of and understanding about slavery. That's an entire other discussion right there. If you are black and you read this book, it will make you straight up angry. Considering how angry I got at times, I can't imagine what it would make you feel, so I apologize for this horribly racist book. I didn't write it but I feel like someone should apologize for it.
Her glorification of the South was very interesting because history is always written by the winners. And while Scarlett isn't exactly a loser because she didn't really support the cause, she falls into a category of others that identify with the South. What I learned during my schooling of the Civil War was that the South lost and was upset about it and did everything possible during Reconstruction to change back to their old ways. That was true to the book. Most teachers, however, always made Reconstruction out to be a huge flop that was never very successful or overbearing. Mitchell describes it as a horrible time of foreign invasion, starvation, and human atrocities by Scallawags, Carpetbaggers and blacks. I never really heard that side before. You learn that terminology in school, but I always somehow felt distant from it, as though only a few people felt that way about them. She concentrated a lot on black-on-white rape. Most history books mention this fear, but they don't come close to painting the picture of the terror she describes. Her insistence that the "Lost Cause" was states' rights was laughable because she often stated that it was upsetting that the southern "way of life" was disappearing. That way of life could have only existed through slavery. I think the most disturbing part was the way in which she didn't outright agree with the Ku Klux Klan because she thought it extreme, but she obviously understood and agreed with the reasoning behind it. Once again, that belief is NEVER held in history books. I think this books should be read with Civil War/Reconstruction units just so people know how racist people could be at that time period.
Her stance on women's rights was most intriguing throughout the book. Near the beginning of the book she briefly brushes aside lunatics like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a women's rights activist. No southern girl would ever support her. She constantly points out that women should be strictly under their husbands' guidance at all times. However, she uses the rest of the book to show that Scarlett O'Hara is a better businessman and thinker than many men. She adds figures in her head, a feat not even her beloved Ashley can accomplish. She may have been dull about interpersonal relations, but she had business sense. I later read that Mitchell's mother was a women's rights activist, so you can see how she used this book to further the idea that women can be just as good or better than men at many jobs.
I felt that this book was one of the best and worst books I have ever read, which is why I gave it four stars. I recommend it to most readers (definitely not all) because there is a point of view in the book that is nowhere near what most of us know and agree with. I think that because I so strongly disagreed with her on so many points, I was able to ensure my exact position on these topics. A very odd and challenging book, but for the most part worth the read.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Book Review: Wild
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The only reason I gave this book two stars was because my least favorite book of all time is designated for the one star.
There were some good qualities to the book. The author's voice is easy and interesting to listen to. The book is a quick read. Her stories about her mother were very inspiring. You also appreciate how she portrays her ex-husband in a continuous positive light, especially after what she does to him.
But for me, that was pretty much it. She uses a tragedy to justify some horrible personal decisions and then decides she's going to forgive herself of these things because she feels she is on the right path. She doesn't really seem to care at all about any of the people she hurt along the way. She never acts out of remorse for wrongs committed. No one else seems to really matter to her as long as she feels good about herself. She mentions her abortion with such casualty, and then decides to equate her hike to a pregnancy. That alone was enough to turn me off. The story is pretty much an ongoing picture of being self-centered. The only thing that really upsets her is when someone calls her a hobo. The only time she felt really good about herself was when she was after she had relations with a guy she knew she didn't want to see again. Nothing really mattered to her except her own feelings.
Most memoirs give you some feeling of self-realization and desire for change. I never really saw that. I was just disappointed when I got to the end. I wanted to feel that I had learned something, but I wasn't able to because she didn't really learn anything about herself.
The only reason I gave this book two stars was because my least favorite book of all time is designated for the one star.
There were some good qualities to the book. The author's voice is easy and interesting to listen to. The book is a quick read. Her stories about her mother were very inspiring. You also appreciate how she portrays her ex-husband in a continuous positive light, especially after what she does to him.
But for me, that was pretty much it. She uses a tragedy to justify some horrible personal decisions and then decides she's going to forgive herself of these things because she feels she is on the right path. She doesn't really seem to care at all about any of the people she hurt along the way. She never acts out of remorse for wrongs committed. No one else seems to really matter to her as long as she feels good about herself. She mentions her abortion with such casualty, and then decides to equate her hike to a pregnancy. That alone was enough to turn me off. The story is pretty much an ongoing picture of being self-centered. The only thing that really upsets her is when someone calls her a hobo. The only time she felt really good about herself was when she was after she had relations with a guy she knew she didn't want to see again. Nothing really mattered to her except her own feelings.
Most memoirs give you some feeling of self-realization and desire for change. I never really saw that. I was just disappointed when I got to the end. I wanted to feel that I had learned something, but I wasn't able to because she didn't really learn anything about herself.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Book Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
5 of 5 stars
In a world in which we are constantly hearing of parents finding out their children have Asperger syndrome, autism, etc. this book gives outsiders a glimpse into the mind of someone experiencing the world through this lens. The book never specifies exactly what the main character has, but it is definitely something in the autism spectrum.
I gave this book five stars because I consider it a piece of good writing. I consider something good writing if it is writing that affects how I perceive the world. When you first start reading this book, I will admit it is difficult. The voice we hear is not one we are used to. It was the voice of someone wholly different from me. However, as you delve into the life of Christopher and experience how he interacts with the world, it actually begins to make sense. Even someone like me, who has never particularly enjoyed mathematics, can understand why he uses the order and rationale of math to calm himself in a chaotic world. You appreciate the sheer depth of his genius.
Now, I would never claim that I understand what it is like to be autistic, but this book gave me a better appreciation for the struggles families of people with autism experience in everyday life. It also made me think about ways that I could improve the world around me for someone who falls in the autistic spectrum.
I would consider this a modern classic and would recommend it to anyone, especially people who are interested in finding more out about the autism spectrum.
5 of 5 stars
In a world in which we are constantly hearing of parents finding out their children have Asperger syndrome, autism, etc. this book gives outsiders a glimpse into the mind of someone experiencing the world through this lens. The book never specifies exactly what the main character has, but it is definitely something in the autism spectrum.
I gave this book five stars because I consider it a piece of good writing. I consider something good writing if it is writing that affects how I perceive the world. When you first start reading this book, I will admit it is difficult. The voice we hear is not one we are used to. It was the voice of someone wholly different from me. However, as you delve into the life of Christopher and experience how he interacts with the world, it actually begins to make sense. Even someone like me, who has never particularly enjoyed mathematics, can understand why he uses the order and rationale of math to calm himself in a chaotic world. You appreciate the sheer depth of his genius.
Now, I would never claim that I understand what it is like to be autistic, but this book gave me a better appreciation for the struggles families of people with autism experience in everyday life. It also made me think about ways that I could improve the world around me for someone who falls in the autistic spectrum.
I would consider this a modern classic and would recommend it to anyone, especially people who are interested in finding more out about the autism spectrum.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Book Review: Tuesdays with Morrie
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Tuesdays with Morrie was a book I read for a class in college at Abilene Christian University. It was especially resonant with me because my best friend's mom had suffered and recently died from ALS, the disease that Morrie died from as well. As someone who strives for wisdom, I loved getting to hear all that Morrie had to say as he was facing the end of his life. This book is a tear jerker and a fantastic reminder of all the difficulties surrounding someone dealing with this tragically fatal disease.
Tuesdays with Morrie was a book I read for a class in college at Abilene Christian University. It was especially resonant with me because my best friend's mom had suffered and recently died from ALS, the disease that Morrie died from as well. As someone who strives for wisdom, I loved getting to hear all that Morrie had to say as he was facing the end of his life. This book is a tear jerker and a fantastic reminder of all the difficulties surrounding someone dealing with this tragically fatal disease.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Book Review: Mark of the Lion series
Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers
Books: A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn
I don't think I post a review that glows with enough adoration and appreciation to do this series justice. This is one of my all-time favorite book series. I am seriously considering reading this book every year because of the profound impact it has had on the person that I am and desire to be. Many readers of Christian fiction appreciated Rivers other book Redeeming Love, but I found that this work of historical fiction far surpasses that in quality. Not to say that Redeeming Love was bad, this was just so much better.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I think Christians and non-Christians alike could enjoy this series. Following the endeavors of Hadassah just made me want to be a better person. For Christians, this book is a reminder of how we should serve others through prayer, complete devotion, and unfailing love. For non-Christians, this book is a picture of what Christianity is supposed to look like when lived out, not what modern, hipster Christians actually do.
Many readers completely despise Julia but I found that her character was integral to this book. She is a reminder that there is always a chance to find something good in each person, no matter what happened in the past. While Hadassah is what I strive to be, Marius and Rizpah were the more relatable characters to me personally. Their questions and their faults depicted the way that most people struggle with God. I think that Atretes was a character to which people who come back from military tours could more easily relate.
She did a fantastic job researching for this book. There were times when I just felt disheartened because I could never do such great research. I loved how she included the apostle John with such vivacity. The lifestyles of the wealthy Romans reminded me of modern Americans, and led me to ponder the fate of our nation considering the disaster that followed the fall of Rome. Her ability to depict the trade industry in the Mediterranean was an impressive feat. My only critique of this book, as a history nerd, was that when talking about the slaves in the colosseum, she mentioned corn, which was only found in the New World at this time and had not yet made it to Europe or Asia. Only after trade began with the Mexican Aztec and Mayan civilizations did corn appear in that area. There might have been one other similar mistake but they would only distract you if you had extensive knowledge on the subject.
All in all, a fantastic work that is worth anyone's time.
Books: A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure as the Dawn
I don't think I post a review that glows with enough adoration and appreciation to do this series justice. This is one of my all-time favorite book series. I am seriously considering reading this book every year because of the profound impact it has had on the person that I am and desire to be. Many readers of Christian fiction appreciated Rivers other book Redeeming Love, but I found that this work of historical fiction far surpasses that in quality. Not to say that Redeeming Love was bad, this was just so much better.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I think Christians and non-Christians alike could enjoy this series. Following the endeavors of Hadassah just made me want to be a better person. For Christians, this book is a reminder of how we should serve others through prayer, complete devotion, and unfailing love. For non-Christians, this book is a picture of what Christianity is supposed to look like when lived out, not what modern, hipster Christians actually do.
Many readers completely despise Julia but I found that her character was integral to this book. She is a reminder that there is always a chance to find something good in each person, no matter what happened in the past. While Hadassah is what I strive to be, Marius and Rizpah were the more relatable characters to me personally. Their questions and their faults depicted the way that most people struggle with God. I think that Atretes was a character to which people who come back from military tours could more easily relate.
She did a fantastic job researching for this book. There were times when I just felt disheartened because I could never do such great research. I loved how she included the apostle John with such vivacity. The lifestyles of the wealthy Romans reminded me of modern Americans, and led me to ponder the fate of our nation considering the disaster that followed the fall of Rome. Her ability to depict the trade industry in the Mediterranean was an impressive feat. My only critique of this book, as a history nerd, was that when talking about the slaves in the colosseum, she mentioned corn, which was only found in the New World at this time and had not yet made it to Europe or Asia. Only after trade began with the Mexican Aztec and Mayan civilizations did corn appear in that area. There might have been one other similar mistake but they would only distract you if you had extensive knowledge on the subject.
All in all, a fantastic work that is worth anyone's time.
Book Review: A Song of Ice and Fire (books 1 through 5)
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
Books: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons
*Spoiler Alert* If you have read at least most of the series you are safe. A few points I make may reveal the fate of some characters.
I have to approach this book series very carefully. There are aspects of this book series that are absolutely fantastic, and then there are parts of this book series that made me want to throw up after reading.
This is an extremely well written series. Martin shows a depth in his characters that most authors will never achieve. While reading A Game of Thrones, you develop certain opinions about different characters (Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister, for example). But once you make it to A Clash of Kings, you realize that his characters are not just one-dimensional. Each character (except maybe Petyr Baelish) has aspects that you love about him/her and aspects that you hate. Even the despicable Cersei Lannister has a love for her children that every parent would understand.
There are certain characters that you love more than any other, however. Daenerys, Jon Snow, and Tyrion are by far my favorite characters in the series. It is obvious that Martin thoroughly enjoys writing from Tyrion's perspective. He should, by all accounts, be dead, but he continues to sweet-talk himself back into the world of the living with hilarious flourish and promises of Lannister wealth.
The plot line complexities are astounding. The number of characters and the way that he twists them into such a dynamic story is impressive. When I think about how he is going to write the last two books, I can't imagine what kind of notes he must have to keep all of the different story lines straight in his head. Even just how he keeps you wondering about the identity of Jon Snow's mother throughout the series is enough to convince you to keep reading.
However, this is definitely adult fiction. I do not recommend children or teenagers read this series. The violence in the fantasy realm is to be expected, for the most part, (the Bolton family is a truly disturbing character group to consider), but many of the sexual encounters had me skipping entire sections. It was difficult as a Christian to read because of the filth he includes. There were many times I put it down and refused to read it for days or weeks because of its content. The only reason I picked it back up was because I plan on one day writing a fantasy novel and I felt I needed to read his work to appreciate the contemporaries in the genre. My only theories are that he wants to point out the abuses women suffer in male-dominated society...or that Martin is just a perverted old man intent on marketing this as ADULT fiction. Either way, I warn strongly against the sexual content in this book series. If, however, you can skip passages without qualms and ignore the occasional offhand sexual comment, this book may still be worth reading.
Another issue I had with this book was that it doesn't have much of a purpose. It is a fun story to read, and you never know where the next page might take you, but I didn't feel particularly challenged in my views about anything. Good writing is supposed to make you think about things in a different light and wrestle with issues. This book series has thus far not challenged or made me question my beliefs on anything great or small. Other than pointing out that men, all men, are fallible, there isn't much to think about, even with the inclusion of subjects like slavery and religion. I prefer to read books that make me want to change, and this book series just didn't do that.
I think one of the greatest absurdities of this series was the title given to Martin as "the Tolkien of America." Whoever said that had absolutely no appreciation of Tolkien, especially of the fact that he wrote Christian fantasy. Martin is a great writer, but I think even he was insulted by this comment because although they both write/wrote fantasy, their goals and intentions with their books as well as their writing styles are completely different, to the point of almost being opposite.
My biggest question about the series: Where is Rickon? And Shaggydog? I feel that they will be an integral part of the twists and turns of the plot in the end of this Game of Thrones.
Books: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons
*Spoiler Alert* If you have read at least most of the series you are safe. A few points I make may reveal the fate of some characters.
I have to approach this book series very carefully. There are aspects of this book series that are absolutely fantastic, and then there are parts of this book series that made me want to throw up after reading.
This is an extremely well written series. Martin shows a depth in his characters that most authors will never achieve. While reading A Game of Thrones, you develop certain opinions about different characters (Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister, for example). But once you make it to A Clash of Kings, you realize that his characters are not just one-dimensional. Each character (except maybe Petyr Baelish) has aspects that you love about him/her and aspects that you hate. Even the despicable Cersei Lannister has a love for her children that every parent would understand.
There are certain characters that you love more than any other, however. Daenerys, Jon Snow, and Tyrion are by far my favorite characters in the series. It is obvious that Martin thoroughly enjoys writing from Tyrion's perspective. He should, by all accounts, be dead, but he continues to sweet-talk himself back into the world of the living with hilarious flourish and promises of Lannister wealth.
The plot line complexities are astounding. The number of characters and the way that he twists them into such a dynamic story is impressive. When I think about how he is going to write the last two books, I can't imagine what kind of notes he must have to keep all of the different story lines straight in his head. Even just how he keeps you wondering about the identity of Jon Snow's mother throughout the series is enough to convince you to keep reading.
However, this is definitely adult fiction. I do not recommend children or teenagers read this series. The violence in the fantasy realm is to be expected, for the most part, (the Bolton family is a truly disturbing character group to consider), but many of the sexual encounters had me skipping entire sections. It was difficult as a Christian to read because of the filth he includes. There were many times I put it down and refused to read it for days or weeks because of its content. The only reason I picked it back up was because I plan on one day writing a fantasy novel and I felt I needed to read his work to appreciate the contemporaries in the genre. My only theories are that he wants to point out the abuses women suffer in male-dominated society...or that Martin is just a perverted old man intent on marketing this as ADULT fiction. Either way, I warn strongly against the sexual content in this book series. If, however, you can skip passages without qualms and ignore the occasional offhand sexual comment, this book may still be worth reading.
Another issue I had with this book was that it doesn't have much of a purpose. It is a fun story to read, and you never know where the next page might take you, but I didn't feel particularly challenged in my views about anything. Good writing is supposed to make you think about things in a different light and wrestle with issues. This book series has thus far not challenged or made me question my beliefs on anything great or small. Other than pointing out that men, all men, are fallible, there isn't much to think about, even with the inclusion of subjects like slavery and religion. I prefer to read books that make me want to change, and this book series just didn't do that.
I think one of the greatest absurdities of this series was the title given to Martin as "the Tolkien of America." Whoever said that had absolutely no appreciation of Tolkien, especially of the fact that he wrote Christian fantasy. Martin is a great writer, but I think even he was insulted by this comment because although they both write/wrote fantasy, their goals and intentions with their books as well as their writing styles are completely different, to the point of almost being opposite.
My biggest question about the series: Where is Rickon? And Shaggydog? I feel that they will be an integral part of the twists and turns of the plot in the end of this Game of Thrones.
Book Review: Les Miserables
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
This classic is well worth the extensive amount of time it takes to read it (especially if you read the unabridged version). On the one hand, the book is so very long because Victor Hugo takes extreme liberties with his writing and with the reader’s patience by fully exploring long tangents of his personal opinion. For example, Hugo uses nineteen chapters describing the Battle of Waterloo and numerous chapters describing the lifestyle in a particular convent. This is not important to his story in the least bit, but if you are interested in the historical background, this is a great place to find that. Hugo is notorious for doing this in his other books as well, and I think he got to do it, simply because he was Victor Freaking Hugo.
Les Miserables is one of the most beautiful, poetic stories ever written. There are so many passages that I highlighted on my tablet because they were some of the most lovely words I have ever read. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"To love another person is to see the face of God."
"It is nothing to die; it is frightful not to live."
"Not being heard is no reason for silence."
"He is fond of books, for they are cool and sure friends."
On love: “When love has fused and mingled two beings in a sacred and angelic unity, the secret of life has been discovered so far as they are concerned; they are no longer anything more than the two boundaries of the same destiny; they are no longer anything but the two wings of the same spirit. Love, soar.”
On Javert: "Before him he saw two roads, both equally straight; but he did see two; and that terrified him--he who had never in his life known anything but one straight line. And, bitter anguish, these two roads were contradictory.”
You could write an entirely separate book on his passages on the subject of love. All in all, it is a magical masterpiece with a satisfying plot line, vivid and lovable characters, and the best love story of all: that of Jean for his dear Cozette, a father and his daughter. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to cry uncontrollably after reading a book for a few months.
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