The Man Who Laughs

Set in 17th-century England, this novel follows Gwynplaine, a boy disfigured with a permanent smile, who becomes a traveling performer. As he navigates a world filled with cruelty and beauty, themes of identity, love, and social injustice emerge. Gwynplaine's journey intertwines with the blind girl Dea and the sinister figure of Barkilphedro, exploring the depths of human emotion and societal challenges. Victor Hugo crafts a poignant narrative that critiques the social structures of his time while delving into the complexities of the human experience.