Hunchback of Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame de Paris)

*The Hunchback of Notre-Dame* is a novel by Victor Hugo set in medieval Paris. It tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, who is misunderstood and mistreated yet shows kindness. The story explores themes of beauty, love, social injustice, and fate through his relationships with the compassionate gypsy Esmeralda, the villainous priest Frollo, and others. The novel also vividly describes the architecture and life in 15th-century Paris, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage. It is both a romantic tale and a social critique, emphasizing human dignity and the power of compassion.