The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History

"The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History" by Victor Hugo is a novel that uses historical fiction to examine topics like inequality and corruption. The book tells the story of Gwynplaine, a man whose face has been cruelly disfigured, reflecting the ugliness of the world around him and the disdain for those on the edges of society. The tale opens with Ursus, a traveling entertainer, and his wolf, Homo, setting up a life of travel and shows. The story highlights a sense of isolation when mysterious people abandon a young boy as they run off on a ship. This abandoned child must face the difficult world alone, leading to a story of pain, finding who you are, and the strength needed to stand up to such a dark world.