Hans of Iceland [Paperback]

Victor Hugo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001

Originally written in 1821 this ingenious work gives a tolerably faithful picture of the age that produced it.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a novelist, poet and dramatist, most important of the French Romantic writers. Among Hugo's best-known works are The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables. Hugo invented his own version of the historical novel, combining the local color and historical detail of Honore de Balzac and the spiritual discourse of George Sand.

Hugo died in Paris on May 22, 1885. He was given at his death a national funeral. It was attended by two million people. Victor Hugo is buried in the Pantheon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: International Law & Taxation (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589631013
• ISBN-13: 978-1589631014
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,109,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hugo's first novel, November 17, 2004

By 

R. Yarnell "Rich" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hans of Iceland (Paperback)

Victor Hugo's first novel revolves around the son of the viceroy of Norway (Ordener Guldenlew), his friendship with a political prisoner (John Schumacker), and his secret love affair with the prisoner's daughter (Ethel). When a plot surfaces to bring about the death of Schumacker, the former chancellor, Ordener risks his life to save his friend and his love. Everyone seems to cross paths with the infamous brigand, Han of Iceland, who does not seek to help either side, but takes pleasure in killing everyone he meets. As a result, this book is rather gruesome, but very suspenseful. The romance between Ordener and Ethel was intriguing as well, especially considering the sacrifices they made for each other. While this work does not measure up to Les Mis or Notre Dame, an average Hugo novel is still better than almost anything else out there.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Innocent, genuine Hugo, December 3, 2005

By 

Marina J. Neary (Stamford, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hans of Iceland,

I know that critics throw rotten cabbage at this book, but I find it charming and refreshing, with all of its imperfections and brutalities. This is the essential Hugo - NOT "Les Mis". Let's face it, Hugo is a romantic, and all of his attempts at realism and psychological accuracy have led to nothing but boredom. He tries the high moral ground in "Les Mis". The book came out tedious and preachy. "Hans of Iceland" offers the same kind of absurdity and brutality as "Notre-Dame de Paris" and "The Man Who Laughs".