Book Review: Ninety-three by Victor Hugo
November 07, 2022
A short summary and review of the English translation of the classic historical fiction Ninety-three based during the French revolution
The book narrates the story of a Royalist revolt in the Vendean region of France against the Republican Revolutionary France. It is placed right in the middle of the French Revolution as the name indicates. It is a Historical fiction but based closely on real characters and events.
Some knowledge of history of French revolution is required to understand the context of the novel. French revolution overthrew the feudal system that was prevalent in France, as well as all of Europe since the decline of the Roman Empire. It started in 1789 and is generally considered to have ended in 1799 with Napoleon declaring himself king of France. By the year 1793, the revolution is in its 3rd year. By then, King Louis XVI. has been guillotined and a republic has been declared with General convention as its apex governing body. Meanwhile in the western French province of Vendee, there is a royalist revolt against the republic. The events in the book take place in Vendee, neighbouring Brittany and briefly in Paris. They all relate to the Vendean revolt.
In the book, Victor Hugo has tried to explain why Vendee revolted. His main reason is that, Brittany and Vendee have had a distinct Celtic identity. They had been repressed by all - kings, nobles etc. Hence, these regions assumed that this new-fangled republic was another instrument of repression. Vendeans are deeply attached to their kings and master i.e. the local lord as well as their Religion and God. They all carry rosary beads in their belts and never miss a chance to utter a prayer. Victor Hugo barely hides his contempt for such barbarism.
There are three main characters - Cimourdain (the priest), Guavain (an erstwhile noble but now a republican and a military leader) and Lantenac (also a noble, and leading the Royalist revolt in Vendee). Besides them, there are a host of other characters like Michelle the peasant mother and her three kids, Radoub - leader of Parisian battalion fighting in Vendee and several more. Although fictional, the characters each represent the typical personalities types who played a major part in the revolution. Some real historical characters like Robespierre, Marat & Danton also make an appearance but the story is mainly about the above three characters.
The book is narrated in an epic scale. The sketch of characters are very detailed. There are a lot of detailed dialogues as well. There are lots of explanatory details about society, human nature, revolution etc. from the author which actually makes the book so much more enriching and enjoyable. The book is cinematic in places - the suspense builds up and then resolves in a climax with a surprise.
Victor Hugo is probably the most well regarded author in French. The English translation by Aline Delano is excellent. The book itself is over 150 years old and it shows that in the text but overall its an enjoyable read.
Some knowledge of history of French revolution is required to understand the context of the novel. French revolution overthrew the feudal system that was prevalent in France, as well as all of Europe since the decline of the Roman Empire. It started in 1789 and is generally considered to have ended in 1799 with Napoleon declaring himself king of France. By the year 1793, the revolution is in its 3rd year. By then, King Louis XVI. has been guillotined and a republic has been declared with General convention as its apex governing body. Meanwhile in the western French province of Vendee, there is a royalist revolt against the republic. The events in the book take place in Vendee, neighbouring Brittany and briefly in Paris. They all relate to the Vendean revolt.
In the book, Victor Hugo has tried to explain why Vendee revolted. His main reason is that, Brittany and Vendee have had a distinct Celtic identity. They had been repressed by all - kings, nobles etc. Hence, these regions assumed that this new-fangled republic was another instrument of repression. Vendeans are deeply attached to their kings and master i.e. the local lord as well as their Religion and God. They all carry rosary beads in their belts and never miss a chance to utter a prayer. Victor Hugo barely hides his contempt for such barbarism.
There are three main characters - Cimourdain (the priest), Guavain (an erstwhile noble but now a republican and a military leader) and Lantenac (also a noble, and leading the Royalist revolt in Vendee). Besides them, there are a host of other characters like Michelle the peasant mother and her three kids, Radoub - leader of Parisian battalion fighting in Vendee and several more. Although fictional, the characters each represent the typical personalities types who played a major part in the revolution. Some real historical characters like Robespierre, Marat & Danton also make an appearance but the story is mainly about the above three characters.
The book is narrated in an epic scale. The sketch of characters are very detailed. There are a lot of detailed dialogues as well. There are lots of explanatory details about society, human nature, revolution etc. from the author which actually makes the book so much more enriching and enjoyable. The book is cinematic in places - the suspense builds up and then resolves in a climax with a surprise.
Victor Hugo is probably the most well regarded author in French. The English translation by Aline Delano is excellent. The book itself is over 150 years old and it shows that in the text but overall its an enjoyable read.