Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to poet, artist and activist, Victor Hugo and his frustrating yet hauntingly beautiful Les Miserables, which was completed on this date in 1862. I read this entire 1,400 page English edition (it’s 1900 pages in the original French), when I was in high school, and to this day its virtuous former thief, Jean Valjean, remains one of my favorite literary characters. So, in honor of the beloved Victor Hugo and his magnums opus, here are my personal top ten quotes.
It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.
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He never went out without a book under his arm, and he often came back with two.
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Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.
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Not being heard is no reason for silence.
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You ask me what forces me to speak? A strange thing; my conscience.
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No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.
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There is nothing like a dream to create future.
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Nobody knows like a woman how to say things that are both sweet and profound. Sweetness and depth, this is all of woman; this is Heaven.
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Let us study things that are no more. It is necessary to understand them, if only to avoid them.
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If you wish to understand what Revolution is, call it Progress; and if you wish to understand what Progress is, call it tomorrow.
beetleypete said:
Great quotes from Hugo, and a fitting tribute from you too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Pete!
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
I read the full version in English, too, Kim! Well…maybe not all. I skipped some of the chapters on non-narrative elements like the parts on “argos,” the sewers, and that 80 page beginning part on the bishop. I just read the parts concerning the main characters.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
We were assigned this in my third year of French, and we had to pick 5 of our favorite passages to translate into French so I read it from cover to cover!
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Felicia Denise said:
Agreed, Kim! Absolutely adore the book! Have tried SEVERAL times to get various book clubs to read it but the length scares people. What does page count matter as long as they’re all good? 😏
Nice tribute! 👍
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Felicia! And I feel the same. If I fall in love with a book, I never want it end!😊
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Carrie said:
This is me…”He never went out without a book under his arm, and he often came back with two.”
Although these days it’s turn in one review and pick up two more to review. LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
We’re two peas in a pod Carrie!😁
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Carrie said:
I knew you would relate to that one too. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊😊😊
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UnderwoodTales said:
Lol same. I have so many books and I want more.
It’s an almost insatiable appetite.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know what you mean. I think we’re Bookaholics!
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UnderwoodTales said:
Lol! Totally!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😁
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Carrie said:
Exactly! You get one that looked soooo good and as soon as you have it there’s two more that you can’t pass by. And heck, I will admit my curiosity gets me with some I think oh that probably won’t be my style and I still pick those up too. LOL
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UnderwoodTales said:
Haha, it’s sad because I don’t have any more room in my bookshelf XD
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yep. I can relate!
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Carrie said:
I’m all digital these days which is even worse because you can fit thousands on a Kindle so I don’ t have any reason not to keep clicking on them. LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I just bought The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice and Virtue. Have you heard of it Carrie? I have a feeling you’d like it.
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Carrie said:
No, I don’t think I’ve seen anything about that one yet. Sounds like something I’d at least check out though.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ve got to!
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Carrie said:
I’ll let you read it first and if you give a great review I’ll have to look for it. 🙂
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UnderwoodTales said:
Ugh, I can’t help it. I have to feel the pages turn. I think I’m old fashioned. I do have a Kindle but I never use it. Haha, good thing that works out for you. LOL!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m terrible. I need both!
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Carrie said:
I just don’t even like picking books up these days… hands cramp up holding and turning pages etc. Whereas with a Kindle I don’t have that problem and I can “read” anytime/anywhere. Have a Fire and it lights up so if I didn’t have proper lighting for a book, not a problem with the Fire. If I need to do dishes or other things, I can flip to text-to-speech and listen and not have to put my book down during the good parts. I’m just soooo hooked on it as you can tell. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I have to admit I do love my Fire. And I love the text-to-speech, especially when I have a migraine.
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Carrie said:
I can certainly understand that, you could lay down in the dark and close your eyes to help the pain but still read.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly. It helps take my mind off the pain a little.
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Carrie said:
I don’t get the horrible migraines but I get enough headaches I understand. I’m such an addict though I use the text to speech all the time, housework, driving, etc
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UnderwoodTales said:
I may try to get a Nook for my anniversary this year. Heehee.
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Carrie said:
I’m not familiar with the Nooks but I can say any e-reader may convert you to our addict status. Just think if you need to travel, you can pack a couple thousands books in a bag instead of deciding on one or two to lug along… 🙂
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UnderwoodTales said:
You make a strong point, ma’am.
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UnderwoodTales said:
Victor Hugo is still such an amazing literary master.
I love this: “There is nothing like a dream to create the future.” It is so true. The future is built on dreams.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
He was a dreamer himself and had writing was so beautiful!
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UnderwoodTales said:
Oh gosh I know. I think that sometimes the classics are under appreciated.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Definitely.😡
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Oh awesome quotes!! I love Hugo!! 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so glad you liked them! He’s definitely one of my favorite writers.😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Ah yes he’s wonderful!!
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Les Miserables is THE BEST! Love this post, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you Krysti! If I ever have the time I’d love to re-read it.😊
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Same here, lady!
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bruceruadan said:
Can’t say I’m fond of anyone’s magnum opus lol. It’s too magnum opus loooong. Thanks for the Hugo quotes.
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
You can read in French? 😮 That is so coool! I definitely plan on reading Les Misérables in French in the future as well. I might however read other classics he’s written first (1900 pages will always scare me hahaha)
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Well, not quite. I read the English version and had to translate 5 of my my favorite passages into French.
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Ohhh, I see! 😛
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vinnieh said:
This is a splendid tribute to Victor Hugo. From the quotes, he appears to have been a man of deep wisdom.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s too bad he’s not still alive. We could all use someone like him right now.
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vinnieh said:
You know, I was just thinking the same thing. A bit more wisdom would do the world good.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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vinnieh said:
A little wisdom and understanding goes a long way.
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The Chaos Realm said:
That was one of my favs in middle school, too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I need to find some time to read it again.
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The Chaos Realm said:
Probably because of all the people who didn’t quite fit in (in a way)…
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Definitely!
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mphadventuregirl said:
I love Les Mis: one of the best books ever. Read the unabridged two years ago and my love of the musical is what pushed me through
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s definitely in my top ten!😊
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mphadventuregirl said:
I am calling it my favorite only because I am obsessed with Les Misérables. This love began with the musical movie, which developed into a Les Mis obsession. I still am passionate and obsessed with Les Mis and of all classics, it is at top.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That is so awesome! I have to confess to having a bit of an obsession myself!😊
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Utibeno said:
Empowering quotes. Lovely of you to share.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so glad you enjoyed!💁🏻
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wildsoundreview said:
Reblogged this on WILDsound Writing and Film Festival Review.
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