Ever since I have started this book, I was instantly captivated by its beauty and couldn’t help but question where on Earth was I until I decided to read it.
I love its slow paced rhythm which immerses me in its life. As I was reading about Jean Valjean and Cosette’s escape from the Thenardier’s inn, I felt as if I was walking down the alleys with them.
Some scenes are breathtaking beautiful such as the louis d’or placed in a hideous wooden shoe to delight the heart of a wretched but ever so hopeful child, the way in which Cosette holds on convulsively in her sleep to her new acquired doll – these are two scenes quite fresh in my memory as I have just read those passages.
Also, the heart-rending fate of Fantine and her slight moment of happiness described in the way she combed her hair:
“When she passed a comb through her glorious hair, which flowed down in silky waves, she had a moment of happiness”.
What a beautiful image of a heart broken woman who decides to cut her hair in order to sell it for her child.
Haven’t finished it yet, but I am sure it’ll easily become one of my favourite books.
by Kukotzki