vivdunstan

This is a book about Victor Hugo's book Les Miserables, and its writing, structure, publishing, reception, and legacy. Note I couldn't fit the author's full name into the subject field of this review. It's written by David Bellos, Professor of French Literature at Princeton University.

It is a book that is probably best read by those who have either read the original Hugo novel already, or know the musical version really well (or both). Because it is extremely spoilery re the novel's plot. I also felt it had a bit too much about French political history in places, and it dragged sometimes.

However overall it was a strong read, rating 4/5 stars. As well as much about the structure of the novel and its hidden meanings (e.g. words for currency, Hugo's use of slang, and so much more) I found the publishing history an incredible read. Much of the novel was written by Hugo in exile in Guernsey. And so when it came to be published, including proofed and typeset, this was done via mail boat between Brussels and Guernsey. Which was fraught in so many ways, especially in the time scale the publisher was pushing towards. Hugo's domestic setup was also curious. He lived with his wife, daughter and sometimes sons. But had also established his long-term mistress in a neighbouring house beyond the end of his garden. And he would dine with her each day. His mistress was also the main person taking on the tax of writing out in neat form his finished manuscripts. A task she shared with Hugo's wife's sister. Some curious interpersonal relationships!

I would personally have liked more reflections on the after legacy of the novel, not least more on the musical which spread the story's reach even further. This book wraps up too quickly. But as effectively the biography of the life of a novel, including its production, it was strong.

Really great progress on the new French chromatic button accordion today, with my first go playing some of my own arrangements of favourite tunes with the sheet music sitting in front of me. Until now I’ve been focusing on my tuition book, trying to learn the unfamiliar to me grid of dozens of buttons instead of the piano type keyboard I’m familiar with. So today’s challenge was to read the sheet music for some of “my” tunes, find the notes on the button grid and play them right, in sequence. Went so well! I played Sunrise Sunset right through, with up to three note harmonies on the unfamiliar keyboard. To be fair I’d tried it by ear before, but I was so much more assured with the sheet music, despite the still new to me button grid keyboard. Also played some Allo Allo, Pirates of the Caribbean theme, and the opening of my Poirot theme arrangement in progress. All reading the sheet music then finding the right note(s) on the button grid. And at a decent speed. With left hand chords too (easy bit!). So chuffed. Adore my wee French box, and it’s helping me more generally neurologically. Even if the piano accordion is still my main instrument.

And yup, I probably need a second accordion icon here, this time for my chromatic button accordion rather than my big piano accordion ...

Pleased to manage another good half hour of French chromatic button accordion practice. I try to manage that twice a week, but the last few weeks have been tricky. I am still very much in the beginning stage, working through lots of exercises to learn the non piano keyboard right hand side. Played a lot of those exercises today! But also experimented by ear with Sunrise Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, trying the new right hand/finger positions I am learning. And trying lots of Hawick tunes by ear. Teribus is especially beginner right hand friendly! No recordings yet, but happy. Ideally I'd get more practice in, but I'm taking what I can, and making good slow progress. This is going to take a long time.