Although the story is compelling and classic, and I really wanted to like it, i couldnt finish, for multiple reasons. Victor Hugo was a huge antisemite it seems, he keeps using the word "jewish" as an  insult here. A lot of other "product of its time" issues with the writing. Also there are whole chapters of tangents that are completely unrelated with page-long sentences (if you like reading hot-takes on parisian architecture, urban planning, and political history, then eat your heart out).