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Chemistry
You don’t want to read this book. I’m warning you. This isn’t a heartwarming, boy-meets-girl, high school romance. I wish it were—God, do I ever. No, if you read this, you’re going to be angry… with me, mostly. You’ll probably yell at me, if you’re the type of person who yells at books. You’ll tell me not to be so stupid, but I won’t listen. I’ll be exactly as stupid as I need to be to destroy everything I love because that’s who I am: a walking, talking tragedy. That’s who I’ve always been. But if you’re determined to read on despite my warning, I may as well introduce myself. My name is Claude Frollo, I’m nineteen going on ninety, and this is my story. It isn’t pretty, but it’s honest. And it’s the only story I have left to tell.
Nook
First published October 29, 2012
About the author
Jodi Lamm
5 books59 followersJodi Lamm was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently lives with The Other Lamm, a princess/cat, a parrot/evil overlord, and a variety of musical instruments. She writes for the love of storytelling. She’s addicted to fantasy, ghost stories, and anything with just the right amount of eerie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 26, 2015
"This is what happens when I fall in love. It's poisonous. It's deadly."
Claude Frollo can be described as judgmental, arrogant, and manipulative. He grew up unloved, going from a foster home to a church sanctuary where he finds solace in Valentine, a disabled teen that resides with him. Together, they dedicate themselves to their high school studies. Until Esmeralda appears. If only she would see how perfect Claude and her could be together. He must have her no matter the cost.
Of all the characters in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Claude is the least charismatic. It was entertaining to see the author give him the stage light and focus this YA retelling with an antagonist in the lead. The closer Claude got to Esmeralda, the more problems he created. His selfishness always prevailed, but his childhood background helped us understand why he would do such things. Regardless of the one sided instaloves in the story (Phoebus is also present), the novel remained entertaining, keeping the reader wondering how low Claude could go to keep Esmeralda by his side.
Loved it!
Claude Frollo can be described as judgmental, arrogant, and manipulative. He grew up unloved, going from a foster home to a church sanctuary where he finds solace in Valentine, a disabled teen that resides with him. Together, they dedicate themselves to their high school studies. Until Esmeralda appears. If only she would see how perfect Claude and her could be together. He must have her no matter the cost.
Of all the characters in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Claude is the least charismatic. It was entertaining to see the author give him the stage light and focus this YA retelling with an antagonist in the lead. The closer Claude got to Esmeralda, the more problems he created. His selfishness always prevailed, but his childhood background helped us understand why he would do such things. Regardless of the one sided instaloves in the story (Phoebus is also present), the novel remained entertaining, keeping the reader wondering how low Claude could go to keep Esmeralda by his side.
Loved it!
March 21, 2013
This review can also be found on my blog here.
Chemistry was definitely interesting! That was, in my opinion, solely because of the main character, Claude Frollo. He is Insane, capital I Insane... but I sort of loved it! His passionate, impulsive and irrational nature made the first person narrative unlike any I've read. We got to watch everyone else become heroes while his obsessive, all-consuming love for Esmeralda caused him to self-destruct. He fell into the common trap of believing Esmeralda was more than she was. His delusion was my addiction, this novel was definitely a page-turner!
Just for one night, let her love me.
However, this retelling may have stayed too true to the original in regards to the plot and not the style. Esmeralda has a pet goat... there are the same very outdated names - Claude, Valentine, Esmeralda, Phoebus... Claude lives in a church... the description of Valentine's 'ugliness' was so overdone I was confounded as to how he was even alive. I don't believe that it was convincingly brought into the twenty-first century.
But the truth is I half believe this fever was brought on by my own nearness to hell.
There were also a few plot holes that I had to really fight to ignore. Esmeralda, like in the original, is accused of stabbing Phoebus and is being targeted by Phoebus' loyal friends. I don't understand why they didn't turn her into the cops...
It’s much more pleasant to freeze to death than it is to burn.
Although there were fundamental issues with the characters and plot, the last quarter of the novel was its redemption. The scenario was perfectly modern, Lamm's twist on the ending was extremely well done and a thrilling read. This was where the retelling truly came to life; Claude Frollo's story is a tragedy, it's obvious from the blurb, and let me tell you, his descent and desperation were a force, but hopefully you'll find that out for yourselves.
Science has failed to save me from myself.
You may be wondering why I've inserted quotes throughout this review that aren't even in context. Well my reason was to illustrate how it was to read this novel.
Chaos reigns supreme in the end
In parts, my impression of Chemistry was a little negative. However, Lamm has such a wonderful way with Claude's erratic almost bipolar narrative - with some outstanding quotes - that I couldn't help but enjoy myself, I would also recommend this novel to others.
No one can hold me down.
Enough said.
For more reviews, please visit my blog Looking for the Panacea.
Chemistry was definitely interesting! That was, in my opinion, solely because of the main character, Claude Frollo. He is Insane, capital I Insane... but I sort of loved it! His passionate, impulsive and irrational nature made the first person narrative unlike any I've read. We got to watch everyone else become heroes while his obsessive, all-consuming love for Esmeralda caused him to self-destruct. He fell into the common trap of believing Esmeralda was more than she was. His delusion was my addiction, this novel was definitely a page-turner!
Just for one night, let her love me.
However, this retelling may have stayed too true to the original in regards to the plot and not the style. Esmeralda has a pet goat... there are the same very outdated names - Claude, Valentine, Esmeralda, Phoebus... Claude lives in a church... the description of Valentine's 'ugliness' was so overdone I was confounded as to how he was even alive. I don't believe that it was convincingly brought into the twenty-first century.
But the truth is I half believe this fever was brought on by my own nearness to hell.
There were also a few plot holes that I had to really fight to ignore. Esmeralda, like in the original, is accused of stabbing Phoebus and is being targeted by Phoebus' loyal friends. I don't understand why they didn't turn her into the cops...
It’s much more pleasant to freeze to death than it is to burn.
Although there were fundamental issues with the characters and plot, the last quarter of the novel was its redemption. The scenario was perfectly modern, Lamm's twist on the ending was extremely well done and a thrilling read. This was where the retelling truly came to life; Claude Frollo's story is a tragedy, it's obvious from the blurb, and let me tell you, his descent and desperation were a force, but hopefully you'll find that out for yourselves.
Science has failed to save me from myself.
You may be wondering why I've inserted quotes throughout this review that aren't even in context. Well my reason was to illustrate how it was to read this novel.
Chaos reigns supreme in the end
In parts, my impression of Chemistry was a little negative. However, Lamm has such a wonderful way with Claude's erratic almost bipolar narrative - with some outstanding quotes - that I couldn't help but enjoy myself, I would also recommend this novel to others.
No one can hold me down.
Enough said.
For more reviews, please visit my blog Looking for the Panacea.
April 12, 2013
Jodi Lamm's Chemistry is a modern retelling of the classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, set in a high school and starring a cast of teenage characters. You don't have to have read The Hunchback of Notre Dame to enjoy this book, but I do think a simple understanding of the classic's basic plot could be helpful when reading Chemistry. You can find a brief summary on Wikipedia.
In Chemistry, Jodi Lamm has taken a classic tale and created her own twisted, intensely dark, and captivating story. Chemistry is narrated by the 19 year old main character, Claude, and explores how Claude's life takes a tragic and hard turn upon the arrival of the beautiful Esmeralda. Like several of the main characters, Claude becomes infatuated and obsessed with Esmeralda, but she only has eyes for the handsome Phoebus. Both Claude and his deformed best friend (in the Quasimodo role), Valentine, fall hard for Esmeralda and set out to protect her from the dangerous Phoebus and his friends. An almost rape, literal back-stabbing, rescue gone awry, and deep betrayal all lead up to an explosive and deadly conclusion.
Much of the classic plot remains in Chemistry, as well as most of the character names, but Lamm has definitely crafted something that is all her own. The classic story translates very well in this modern setting with its modern and relatable situations. Lamm proves to be an effective storyteller and superb character developer.
The story in Chemistry is very dark, twisted, and disturbing in the most engrossing way. Lamm doesn't hold anything back, which creates a wonderfully layered story. This isn't an “easy” read and deals with some very heavy and hard subject matter (rape, murder, abuse, drug use, etc), but all of these things are necessary to capture the story being told. The plot moves at a steady pace, and while some storylines aren't explained as much as others and some seem a bit messy, Claude's main story is deftly laid out.
And it seems to me that Chemistry is more a character study than anything else...but this isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, I found myself incredibly entranced by Claude's narration and inner monolgue/stream of consciousness. Claude is such a delicately complex character and Lamm shows his internal struggle between good and bad, light and dark, in some really breathtaking ways. I was both enamored and disgusted by Claude, usually at the same time, which is the sign of a truly well-developed character. He's impossible to ignore and forget.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: As far as retellings go, Chemistry is a great one. This dark, unputdownable book, with its unforgettable narrator and twisted story, will shock and captivate, and leave readers both entertained and thoughtful.
In Chemistry, Jodi Lamm has taken a classic tale and created her own twisted, intensely dark, and captivating story. Chemistry is narrated by the 19 year old main character, Claude, and explores how Claude's life takes a tragic and hard turn upon the arrival of the beautiful Esmeralda. Like several of the main characters, Claude becomes infatuated and obsessed with Esmeralda, but she only has eyes for the handsome Phoebus. Both Claude and his deformed best friend (in the Quasimodo role), Valentine, fall hard for Esmeralda and set out to protect her from the dangerous Phoebus and his friends. An almost rape, literal back-stabbing, rescue gone awry, and deep betrayal all lead up to an explosive and deadly conclusion.
Much of the classic plot remains in Chemistry, as well as most of the character names, but Lamm has definitely crafted something that is all her own. The classic story translates very well in this modern setting with its modern and relatable situations. Lamm proves to be an effective storyteller and superb character developer.
The story in Chemistry is very dark, twisted, and disturbing in the most engrossing way. Lamm doesn't hold anything back, which creates a wonderfully layered story. This isn't an “easy” read and deals with some very heavy and hard subject matter (rape, murder, abuse, drug use, etc), but all of these things are necessary to capture the story being told. The plot moves at a steady pace, and while some storylines aren't explained as much as others and some seem a bit messy, Claude's main story is deftly laid out.
And it seems to me that Chemistry is more a character study than anything else...but this isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, I found myself incredibly entranced by Claude's narration and inner monolgue/stream of consciousness. Claude is such a delicately complex character and Lamm shows his internal struggle between good and bad, light and dark, in some really breathtaking ways. I was both enamored and disgusted by Claude, usually at the same time, which is the sign of a truly well-developed character. He's impossible to ignore and forget.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: As far as retellings go, Chemistry is a great one. This dark, unputdownable book, with its unforgettable narrator and twisted story, will shock and captivate, and leave readers both entertained and thoughtful.
March 21, 2013
Full review can be found here
Before I started Chemistry, knowing that it was going to be a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I was pretty interested to see how closely Lamm was going to make the story to the original. More specifically, since the book is from the point of view of the villain, Claude Frollo, how evil will she make him?
One major criticism I have of the novel is that I definitely had trouble with the suspension of disbelief. Isn't this a contemporary retelling? There were just too many aspects of the book that I couldn't believe would ever happen in a relatively normal modern world (as in, not some ganglands or whatever), examples:
1. The love interest, Esmeralda is homeless/an illegal immigrant yet has a goat. A freaking goat.
2. So, someone got stabbed, and instead of there being a police investigation or whatever, there's some weird vigilante thing going on with the guy's friends.
Strangely, there were also a few issues which in other books would be deal-breakers but which sort of worked in Chemistry.
1. MAJOR instalove. I didn't see the connection between Claude and Esmeralda at all, but I think that it works here, because it serves to enhance how twisted Claude is.
Then I see a fire.
It's Esmeralda. She's dressed in orange and red and gold. She's burning with color and warmth. It's the warmth that draws me from my corner and forces me closer to her. I can't help it.
2. NONE of the characters are even remotely likable. In fact, most of them are downright irritating. However, this is actually something somewhat consistent with the original, and so maybe it was something the author wanted to do. And, in fact, the narrator, Claude, was insane. ABSOLUTELY INSANE. I kid you not. I wouldn't even necessarily say that he's evil. Just insane.
The progression of the novel was quite dramatic- it was obvious that it was leading up to a climax (particularly if you know what happens in the original non-Disney version of the Hunchback). I felt that the ending was really quite weird. The novel ends with a letter, which seemed to me to be quite disconnected from the rest of the text. I'm still not sure what the point of it was (it's probably something subtle that I didn't manage to pick up).
Overall, I felt that perhaps the author kept the story-line too close to the original to make the transition to modern day flawless. However, if you can manage to jump the hurdle of the suspension of disbelief, it was certainly interesting enough.
Have a look at more reviews at my blog: Looking for the Panacea
Before I started Chemistry, knowing that it was going to be a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I was pretty interested to see how closely Lamm was going to make the story to the original. More specifically, since the book is from the point of view of the villain, Claude Frollo, how evil will she make him?
One major criticism I have of the novel is that I definitely had trouble with the suspension of disbelief. Isn't this a contemporary retelling? There were just too many aspects of the book that I couldn't believe would ever happen in a relatively normal modern world (as in, not some ganglands or whatever), examples:
1. The love interest, Esmeralda is homeless/an illegal immigrant yet has a goat. A freaking goat.
2. So, someone got stabbed, and instead of there being a police investigation or whatever, there's some weird vigilante thing going on with the guy's friends.
Strangely, there were also a few issues which in other books would be deal-breakers but which sort of worked in Chemistry.
1. MAJOR instalove. I didn't see the connection between Claude and Esmeralda at all, but I think that it works here, because it serves to enhance how twisted Claude is.
Then I see a fire.
It's Esmeralda. She's dressed in orange and red and gold. She's burning with color and warmth. It's the warmth that draws me from my corner and forces me closer to her. I can't help it.
2. NONE of the characters are even remotely likable. In fact, most of them are downright irritating. However, this is actually something somewhat consistent with the original, and so maybe it was something the author wanted to do. And, in fact, the narrator, Claude, was insane. ABSOLUTELY INSANE. I kid you not. I wouldn't even necessarily say that he's evil. Just insane.
The progression of the novel was quite dramatic- it was obvious that it was leading up to a climax (particularly if you know what happens in the original non-Disney version of the Hunchback). I felt that the ending was really quite weird. The novel ends with a letter, which seemed to me to be quite disconnected from the rest of the text. I'm still not sure what the point of it was (it's probably something subtle that I didn't manage to pick up).
Overall, I felt that perhaps the author kept the story-line too close to the original to make the transition to modern day flawless. However, if you can manage to jump the hurdle of the suspension of disbelief, it was certainly interesting enough.
Have a look at more reviews at my blog: Looking for the Panacea
July 13, 2016
REVIEW BY CERYS - YEAR 8
Chemistry is a great story with a very different take on Beauty and the Beast. It focus on the story of Claude Frollo, and watches him destroy his life over one beautiful girl, Esmeralda. She turns the characters’ lives upside down, and not in a good way.
My favourite character is Valentine, as I feel like, even though he has been through an awful lot, he still keeps trying his best for people and my favourite part is the very end! I enjoyed the 1st person perspective, as I felt it conveyed feelings really well. The plot was very thought-provoking, with many twists and turns.
Jodi Lamm is awesome at expressing emotions, and she writes about relationships really well. Everything made sense, and I loved the ending, however unexpected. I thought the epilogue was rather strange, though!
I would recommend this book to any lovers of fractured fairy-tales, or people who enjoy quirky, strange tales, or thought provoking books. However much I screamed at the choices Claude makes, on the whole, I really enjoyed this book, and I hope you do to!
Chemistry is a great story with a very different take on Beauty and the Beast. It focus on the story of Claude Frollo, and watches him destroy his life over one beautiful girl, Esmeralda. She turns the characters’ lives upside down, and not in a good way.
My favourite character is Valentine, as I feel like, even though he has been through an awful lot, he still keeps trying his best for people and my favourite part is the very end! I enjoyed the 1st person perspective, as I felt it conveyed feelings really well. The plot was very thought-provoking, with many twists and turns.
Jodi Lamm is awesome at expressing emotions, and she writes about relationships really well. Everything made sense, and I loved the ending, however unexpected. I thought the epilogue was rather strange, though!
I would recommend this book to any lovers of fractured fairy-tales, or people who enjoy quirky, strange tales, or thought provoking books. However much I screamed at the choices Claude makes, on the whole, I really enjoyed this book, and I hope you do to!
November 21, 2022
This book is a simple fun read that is tightly written with a good narrative.
December 28, 2021
I wanted to like this one better, but it reads like the rough draft of something that could be far more nuanced and smart than it is. Not to say it's bad, just that I see the attempt and want it to be better in the execution.
Firstly, this is a contemporary high school-set Hunchback of Notre Dame retelling. It also has some shades of Jekyll and Hyde, Les Miserables, The Monk, and probably other classics I didn't catch. Style-wise, it's a throwback to early fiction, where the girls are shallow lovely things and the villains are obsessive, delusional men. Only here, there are no heroes.
The Good:
Frollo is a villain. Not a redeemed villain and not a Byronic hero. He has moments where you sympathize with him and want him to do the right thing, and he inevitably disappoints you by being an abuser, a manipulator, and as bad as everyone he judges.
It's difficult to read, because you want to relate to the narrator, and that's probably why I enjoy it- no redemption, just continual self-destructive misguided person.
The concept is unique. I think this is the first time I've encountered a contemporary retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Victor Hugo's books are dense and sprawling- and some of the themes absolutely do not hold up today- so full props for the attempt.
The Bad:
Frollo has a running throughline that he's narrating all that he's done, even addressing the reader directly at one point to tell us he won't bother lying. But the story ends without any resolution of who Frollo is reminiscing to. God? Certainly there are random, rather pointless moments of Christian reference at the end- which was more confusing than story-serving.
What's the deal with chemistry? We're told Frollo is great at chemistry. And the epilogue reiterates this. But chemistry in concept and in practical terms doesn't enter the story at all. Is this an attempt at playing off the concept that people who 'have chemistry' together often pursue romance? Because the "romance" in this story is entirely one-sided, and that's a main part of the plot, soooooo. Yeah. Why, Lamm?
The demonization of Esmeralda. I approve of showing us that Frollo has built her up in his head to be this perfect paragon- part of the problem with his entire arc, but obviously a choice- but the portrayal of Esmeralda as so painfully naive (when she's meant to have grown up on the streets), and stupid enough to endanger her life directly and repeatedly are unnecessary. She's superstitious, and she has a knife, and she fights when cornered, but she chooses to stay in truly life-endangering situations (also virginity-endangering) just to spite Frollo. It makes no sense and leaves me without a single character to respect.
Again, this may be a deliberate choice in order to remind us how truly terrible Frollo is, but his sexual assault of Esmeralda- weeks after saving her from being date raped and right on the heels of his endless protestations that he loves her and won't touch her because he's put her on a pedestal- really only serves to put us even more off to him. This is where I started thinking maybe the author was going for Jekyll and Hyde? They never quite got there, but Frollo swinging from tortured ace-awakening outcast to self-centered blind rage was more off-putting than intriguing.
Peter was a plot device that Lamm forgot for more of the novel. It bothered me to introduce someone solely for convenience. Gene, likewise, was supposed to have some sort of impact on Frollo's story but truly didn't. With a few more edits and subtlety, maybe they each could've worked to serve the story but in this edition they did not.
Frollo's spiral happened three or four times, so by the final action I'd lost any desire to care. And the ending did nothing to bring me back to a point of tragedy, sorrow, or any kind of impact.
Lastly, Frollo, Peter, and Valentine were all way, way more observant, wise, witty, and well-spoken than teenage boys are in the wild. That's not to say that none of them can be this way, but Frollo's marshalled thoughts and bleak outlook and forethought (especially given his utter stupidity and glaring blind spots with so much) didn't fit my own experience with (even intelligent, well-spoken) teenage boys. I think most fit somewhere between those three and Phoebus.
Firstly, this is a contemporary high school-set Hunchback of Notre Dame retelling. It also has some shades of Jekyll and Hyde, Les Miserables, The Monk, and probably other classics I didn't catch. Style-wise, it's a throwback to early fiction, where the girls are shallow lovely things and the villains are obsessive, delusional men. Only here, there are no heroes.
The Good:
Frollo is a villain. Not a redeemed villain and not a Byronic hero. He has moments where you sympathize with him and want him to do the right thing, and he inevitably disappoints you by being an abuser, a manipulator, and as bad as everyone he judges.
It's difficult to read, because you want to relate to the narrator, and that's probably why I enjoy it- no redemption, just continual self-destructive misguided person.
The concept is unique. I think this is the first time I've encountered a contemporary retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Victor Hugo's books are dense and sprawling- and some of the themes absolutely do not hold up today- so full props for the attempt.
The Bad:
Frollo has a running throughline that he's narrating all that he's done, even addressing the reader directly at one point to tell us he won't bother lying. But the story ends without any resolution of who Frollo is reminiscing to. God? Certainly there are random, rather pointless moments of Christian reference at the end- which was more confusing than story-serving.
What's the deal with chemistry? We're told Frollo is great at chemistry. And the epilogue reiterates this. But chemistry in concept and in practical terms doesn't enter the story at all. Is this an attempt at playing off the concept that people who 'have chemistry' together often pursue romance? Because the "romance" in this story is entirely one-sided, and that's a main part of the plot, soooooo. Yeah. Why, Lamm?
The demonization of Esmeralda. I approve of showing us that Frollo has built her up in his head to be this perfect paragon- part of the problem with his entire arc, but obviously a choice- but the portrayal of Esmeralda as so painfully naive (when she's meant to have grown up on the streets), and stupid enough to endanger her life directly and repeatedly are unnecessary. She's superstitious, and she has a knife, and she fights when cornered, but she chooses to stay in truly life-endangering situations (also virginity-endangering) just to spite Frollo. It makes no sense and leaves me without a single character to respect.
Again, this may be a deliberate choice in order to remind us how truly terrible Frollo is, but his sexual assault of Esmeralda- weeks after saving her from being date raped and right on the heels of his endless protestations that he loves her and won't touch her because he's put her on a pedestal- really only serves to put us even more off to him. This is where I started thinking maybe the author was going for Jekyll and Hyde? They never quite got there, but Frollo swinging from tortured ace-awakening outcast to self-centered blind rage was more off-putting than intriguing.
Peter was a plot device that Lamm forgot for more of the novel. It bothered me to introduce someone solely for convenience. Gene, likewise, was supposed to have some sort of impact on Frollo's story but truly didn't. With a few more edits and subtlety, maybe they each could've worked to serve the story but in this edition they did not.
Frollo's spiral happened three or four times, so by the final action I'd lost any desire to care. And the ending did nothing to bring me back to a point of tragedy, sorrow, or any kind of impact.
Lastly, Frollo, Peter, and Valentine were all way, way more observant, wise, witty, and well-spoken than teenage boys are in the wild. That's not to say that none of them can be this way, but Frollo's marshalled thoughts and bleak outlook and forethought (especially given his utter stupidity and glaring blind spots with so much) didn't fit my own experience with (even intelligent, well-spoken) teenage boys. I think most fit somewhere between those three and Phoebus.
Read
April 17, 2013As a YA book blogger, I get pitched a lot of books to review, and I chose Chemistry for three reasons. First, it's a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and I love retellings. Second, the story is retold as a contemporary, and I love contemporary YA fiction. And third, the sample that Jodi sent me had a strong narrative voice, and I love sarcastic, snarky characters.
What did I think? Overall, I really enjoyed Chemistry. Jodi is a talented writer and narrator Claude's voice remains strong and distinct throughout. I have never read The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and think that a greater familiarity with the source material might have helped me enjoy Chemistry more. My impression (and I could be wrong!) is that this retelling is a close one. I'm not sure that every aspect of the original 19th century story and its characters' actions and psychological motivations remain completely believable in a 21st century context. As a result, some things -- a pet goat? -- seemed a little surreal when translated to modern times. On the plus side, I had no idea what was going to happen even up until the end -- and some pretty intense stuff happened! But I loved the fact that the story went way darker than the typical YA. Claude is definitely a complex protagonist. I'm hoping to interview Jodi and find out some more about her authorial choices.
This book edges toward NA, with some mature content. But if you enjoy retellings, stories with a lot of dark, dramatic moments, I'd definitely give Chemistry a try. It reminded me a little of Beastly by Alex Flinn -- a retelling, male narrator, and a main character who is a tortured soul.
What did I think? Overall, I really enjoyed Chemistry. Jodi is a talented writer and narrator Claude's voice remains strong and distinct throughout. I have never read The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and think that a greater familiarity with the source material might have helped me enjoy Chemistry more. My impression (and I could be wrong!) is that this retelling is a close one. I'm not sure that every aspect of the original 19th century story and its characters' actions and psychological motivations remain completely believable in a 21st century context. As a result, some things -- a pet goat? -- seemed a little surreal when translated to modern times. On the plus side, I had no idea what was going to happen even up until the end -- and some pretty intense stuff happened! But I loved the fact that the story went way darker than the typical YA. Claude is definitely a complex protagonist. I'm hoping to interview Jodi and find out some more about her authorial choices.
This book edges toward NA, with some mature content. But if you enjoy retellings, stories with a lot of dark, dramatic moments, I'd definitely give Chemistry a try. It reminded me a little of Beastly by Alex Flinn -- a retelling, male narrator, and a main character who is a tortured soul.
November 22, 2012
The Premise:
Chemistry is a modern reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, told in first-person, present tense from the perspective of the high school senior Claude Frollo. It tracks his dysfunctional relationships with everyone who looks up to him; his growing obsession with the new girl, Esmeralda; and his downward spiral into self-destructive sociopathy.
The Good:
Chemistry is addicting. I ploughed through it in less than a day, and even when I had to put it down, I stayed caught in the horrible, piercing, electrifying world Lamm has created inside Claude’s head.
Insanity is becoming an over-used trope, especially in tragic romance, but Lamm refreshes it and makes it unnervingly real. Claude is a maniac – dangerously charismatic inside his own mind, even though he cannot be in real life. The horrors he concocts are made all the more filthy by the good he has done and the heights he dreams of reaching. The worst part is that, right up to the end, you want him to win. He does a fantastic job of convincing the reader that he deserves his little sins, even though the words themselves press constantly for condemnation.
The story Lamm has woven is enthralling, stomach-turning in the best possible way. I went in with high expectations and came away with aching teeth and a burning throat, simultaneously shattered and satisfied.
The Bad:
I’m still a bit shell-shocked.
In Conclusion:
Masterful.
Chemistry is a modern reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, told in first-person, present tense from the perspective of the high school senior Claude Frollo. It tracks his dysfunctional relationships with everyone who looks up to him; his growing obsession with the new girl, Esmeralda; and his downward spiral into self-destructive sociopathy.
The Good:
Chemistry is addicting. I ploughed through it in less than a day, and even when I had to put it down, I stayed caught in the horrible, piercing, electrifying world Lamm has created inside Claude’s head.
Insanity is becoming an over-used trope, especially in tragic romance, but Lamm refreshes it and makes it unnervingly real. Claude is a maniac – dangerously charismatic inside his own mind, even though he cannot be in real life. The horrors he concocts are made all the more filthy by the good he has done and the heights he dreams of reaching. The worst part is that, right up to the end, you want him to win. He does a fantastic job of convincing the reader that he deserves his little sins, even though the words themselves press constantly for condemnation.
The story Lamm has woven is enthralling, stomach-turning in the best possible way. I went in with high expectations and came away with aching teeth and a burning throat, simultaneously shattered and satisfied.
The Bad:
I’m still a bit shell-shocked.
In Conclusion:
Masterful.
September 25, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded up.
This is my second time reading this book, as I had DNFed it previously. Having enjoyed reading The Hunchback of Notre Dame despite its many flaws, I wanted to give this retelling another chance. I still wasn't a huge fan of the way the author chose to set the story among high school students, as I am typically not a fan of YA due to all the unnecessary drama, angst and inevitable romance books targeted at this demographic seem to contain. My own taste aside, these characters are far too dark for a YA retelling to do them justice.
The main character of the story is Claude Frollo, the priest who cares for Quasimodo in Hugo's original story. Just like in the source material he is deranged, bordering on sociopathic and maniacal. Valentine, the Quasimodo character, retains the gentle spirit and love for Esmeralda, but did seem to be more a part of society than he was in the original story.
I'd love to read an adult retelling of this story, but have yet to find one.
This is my second time reading this book, as I had DNFed it previously. Having enjoyed reading The Hunchback of Notre Dame despite its many flaws, I wanted to give this retelling another chance. I still wasn't a huge fan of the way the author chose to set the story among high school students, as I am typically not a fan of YA due to all the unnecessary drama, angst and inevitable romance books targeted at this demographic seem to contain. My own taste aside, these characters are far too dark for a YA retelling to do them justice.
The main character of the story is Claude Frollo, the priest who cares for Quasimodo in Hugo's original story. Just like in the source material he is deranged, bordering on sociopathic and maniacal. Valentine, the Quasimodo character, retains the gentle spirit and love for Esmeralda, but did seem to be more a part of society than he was in the original story.
I'd love to read an adult retelling of this story, but have yet to find one.
July 2, 2015
I've never read a book quite like Chemistry. It was dark, twisted, and tragic. I was simultaneously appalled and intrigued by the plot and found this book nearly impossible to put down.
I didn't realize at the time I started Chemistry that it is a retelling of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Now that I know this (after finishing the book), the entire story makes so much more sense. There were times while reading that I was just confused, overwhelmed and shocked at the way the story was going. Claude was far from a likable narrator and he got worse as the story progressed. But after finishing the book and realizing it's a retelling, I completely understand why things went the way they did.
If you're unfamiliar with the basic tenets of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, read about it on Wikipedia here. I highly recommend being familiar with the plot of The Hunchback of Notre Dame before reading Chemistry. Don't make the same mistake I did. You'll like Chemistry so much more if you have a little bit of an idea why these shocking and scary things are happening.
I could see Chemistry being used as a read-along novel to The Hunchback of Notre Dame in classrooms. It certainly gives a modern, contemporary feel to the classic historical fiction.
With all that said, I have to say that I did overall enjoy this book. The intensity of it was unique. It was definitely a consuming read, one that I finished in two sittings. I kept thinking, "surely, now will be Claude's redemption," and then he would go and do something else even more twisted. Some of the appeal of Chemistry was a voyeuristic sense of "how bad can things get?" not unlike being unable to look away from a car wreck on the highway.
Lamm does a great job at depicting her characters' emotions, especially the tormented Claude. It is the hallmark of great writing when an author can make you care about a character that you don't even like. And in the end, I did care about Claude. I refused to give up hope for him no matter how deplorable his actions were.
If you like contemporary retellings of classic novels, I would recommend Chemistry. Just be forewarned that it is not a feel-good book, but it's still a good book. Chemistry is one of those books that will be hard to forget.
February 19, 2013
Chemistry is a dark, haunting story about obsession, jealousy, and love. It’s a modern-day retelling of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, set in high school and told from the perspective of the “hunchback’s” best friend, Claude.
Claude is basically an outcast, and he’s ok with that. He has a few close friends and that’s all he needs. Girls don’t interest him…until Esmeralda comes along. Esmeralda is beautiful, exotic, and enchanting, and many of the boys begin to fall for her. She has this seductive pull, and people think she’s perfect, even though she’s far from it. While many of the boys become infatuated with her, Esmeralda is only interested in Phoebus, a popular, handsome jock with a girlfriend.
People also think that Claude is made of stone and incapable of love, but he loves his brother and Valentine and Peter, and tries to protect them. He wants the best for them and would do anything for them, even if means enabling them at times. Claude’s self-destructive behavior begins along with his obsession with Esmeralda. His feelings for her tear him apart and make him crazy, but he can’t stay away from her.
I think Lamm took a big risk in writing such a twisted and dark story, and in my opinion, it paid off. I was completely captivated by Claude and his obsession, and pulled in by Lamm’s beautiful writing style. Claude has these really poignant discoveries throughout the book - things that make him completely relatable, even though he’s not a character most people would relate to in many ways. There’s some really heavy and disturbing subject matter in Chemistry, and while it will be a step outside some people’s comfort zones, for me it was almost perversely thrilling to read about this character who was just an average guy, but who was basically bordering on mental illness with his unhealthy fixation on a girl who really just wasn’t worth it.
Never having read The Hunchback of Notre Dame (although I own it and it’s been on my TBR for over a decade), I can’t compare Chemistry to the classic tale, but I can tell you that Chemistry is a well-crafted story with excellent writing and character development, and enough twists and turns to ensure you won’t soon forget Claude or his story.
Claude is basically an outcast, and he’s ok with that. He has a few close friends and that’s all he needs. Girls don’t interest him…until Esmeralda comes along. Esmeralda is beautiful, exotic, and enchanting, and many of the boys begin to fall for her. She has this seductive pull, and people think she’s perfect, even though she’s far from it. While many of the boys become infatuated with her, Esmeralda is only interested in Phoebus, a popular, handsome jock with a girlfriend.
People also think that Claude is made of stone and incapable of love, but he loves his brother and Valentine and Peter, and tries to protect them. He wants the best for them and would do anything for them, even if means enabling them at times. Claude’s self-destructive behavior begins along with his obsession with Esmeralda. His feelings for her tear him apart and make him crazy, but he can’t stay away from her.
I think Lamm took a big risk in writing such a twisted and dark story, and in my opinion, it paid off. I was completely captivated by Claude and his obsession, and pulled in by Lamm’s beautiful writing style. Claude has these really poignant discoveries throughout the book - things that make him completely relatable, even though he’s not a character most people would relate to in many ways. There’s some really heavy and disturbing subject matter in Chemistry, and while it will be a step outside some people’s comfort zones, for me it was almost perversely thrilling to read about this character who was just an average guy, but who was basically bordering on mental illness with his unhealthy fixation on a girl who really just wasn’t worth it.
Never having read The Hunchback of Notre Dame (although I own it and it’s been on my TBR for over a decade), I can’t compare Chemistry to the classic tale, but I can tell you that Chemistry is a well-crafted story with excellent writing and character development, and enough twists and turns to ensure you won’t soon forget Claude or his story.
April 23, 2013
DNF at 30%
Chemistry is a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and don't feel bad if you're not aware of the original. I had no clue either and when I googled it, I found it very interesting in an odd sort of way, and I read Chemistry because of I was curious to know how the author would pull off this old tale in a modern way.
Starting with something positive, I absolutely loved the writing. It's a first person narrative told from the antagonist's(*) pov with more thoughts than actual dialogues, which I don't usually like but it worked here. The book was written in a play like manner with various scenes in a chapter and I loved that instead of chapter it said book like book one, book two and so on. I though that was very unique and I loved it.
Now what I didn't like at all were the characters and their mind set. It didn't seem real or modern in any way. I don't even know what to say about Claude, he was really weird and controlling of Valentine, which I didn't like. Valentine (I don't know his real name) is portrayed as a very loving, kind person on the inside but his looks horrendous. He reminded me of Beast from Beauty and the Beast, and he was the only character I was interested to know about. Then there is the new girl, Esmeralde, who is enamored by everyone. Literally every guy in school is in love with her. She was the person who made me DNF this book. Esmeralde's character is so out of time, I can't believe how naive and submissive she turned out to be. This is the part where I couldn't take it anymore and stopped reading:
So...yeah. That quote says everything.
Would I recommend it? Sure, if you liked the original story, then give this retelling a try.
A Copy was provided by the author for an honest review. (Thank You.)
* Claude was an antagonist in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame as per Wikipedia. Not sure if he is one this the retelling.
Chemistry is a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and don't feel bad if you're not aware of the original. I had no clue either and when I googled it, I found it very interesting in an odd sort of way, and I read Chemistry because of I was curious to know how the author would pull off this old tale in a modern way.
Starting with something positive, I absolutely loved the writing. It's a first person narrative told from the antagonist's(*) pov with more thoughts than actual dialogues, which I don't usually like but it worked here. The book was written in a play like manner with various scenes in a chapter and I loved that instead of chapter it said book like book one, book two and so on. I though that was very unique and I loved it.
Now what I didn't like at all were the characters and their mind set. It didn't seem real or modern in any way. I don't even know what to say about Claude, he was really weird and controlling of Valentine, which I didn't like. Valentine (I don't know his real name) is portrayed as a very loving, kind person on the inside but his looks horrendous. He reminded me of Beast from Beauty and the Beast, and he was the only character I was interested to know about. Then there is the new girl, Esmeralde, who is enamored by everyone. Literally every guy in school is in love with her. She was the person who made me DNF this book. Esmeralde's character is so out of time, I can't believe how naive and submissive she turned out to be. This is the part where I couldn't take it anymore and stopped reading:
"I'm yours, Phoebus, number fourteen. I'll do anything for you, I swear. I'll live with you, and I'll forget my mother. Who needs a mother, anyway? Not me. Not as along as I have you. I'll love you forever. I'll stay with you until we're old. I'll forgive all your stupid affairs. And I'll take care of you. I'll do anything for you."
So...yeah. That quote says everything.
Would I recommend it? Sure, if you liked the original story, then give this retelling a try.
A Copy was provided by the author for an honest review. (Thank You.)
* Claude was an antagonist in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame as per Wikipedia. Not sure if he is one this the retelling.
March 16, 2013
Chemistry is a modern day, young adult retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame with an interesting twist. It’s being told from the point of view of Claude Frollo, who by story standards would definitely be considered an antagonist in the original. Chemistry lends a different sort of view on his love for Esmerelda and his relationship with Valentine (who fits the role of Quasimodo).
I’m a huge fan of retellings and I simply love seeing the heftier classics take on a new life in something new. I will admit I’ve never actually read Hunchback of Notre Dame in its entirety, but I do know the full story so it was great to see the parallels being played out. As the blurb says it’s not a heartwarming story, it’s dark and gritty…and at times a bit chilling.
Claude Frollo is one of those characters that can be stamped as ‘crazy’ and not many people would dispute the title. I’m not sure the character would disagree either. Since the book is being ‘written’ by Claude we get a personal view and feel for all that goes through his mind, and we get a front row seat to his mental decline. I can honestly say it’s a bit scary to witness it. He starts off as someone who is a loner, who is quiet and sullen with only one friend and not much need for more…to someone who becomes obsessed with the idea of Esmerelda and willing throw everything aside for her. Valentine is probably my favorite character, he’s a silent character but his presence is very strong. He’s a sort of silent guardian and I loved how much detail that Lamm put into this character. Esmerelda was probably the character I liked the least, her passion for things is something that Claude admired in her but at the same time she’s too willing to place it in people who shouldn’t have it. She sees what she wants to see and I found that to be a double edged sword in terms of her likability.
The ending left me breathless and I had to take a moment to let it all sink in before I could even close my Kindle. Jodi Lamm is probably one of my favorite authors now, thanks not only this novel but also Titan Magic.
I’m a huge fan of retellings and I simply love seeing the heftier classics take on a new life in something new. I will admit I’ve never actually read Hunchback of Notre Dame in its entirety, but I do know the full story so it was great to see the parallels being played out. As the blurb says it’s not a heartwarming story, it’s dark and gritty…and at times a bit chilling.
Claude Frollo is one of those characters that can be stamped as ‘crazy’ and not many people would dispute the title. I’m not sure the character would disagree either. Since the book is being ‘written’ by Claude we get a personal view and feel for all that goes through his mind, and we get a front row seat to his mental decline. I can honestly say it’s a bit scary to witness it. He starts off as someone who is a loner, who is quiet and sullen with only one friend and not much need for more…to someone who becomes obsessed with the idea of Esmerelda and willing throw everything aside for her. Valentine is probably my favorite character, he’s a silent character but his presence is very strong. He’s a sort of silent guardian and I loved how much detail that Lamm put into this character. Esmerelda was probably the character I liked the least, her passion for things is something that Claude admired in her but at the same time she’s too willing to place it in people who shouldn’t have it. She sees what she wants to see and I found that to be a double edged sword in terms of her likability.
The ending left me breathless and I had to take a moment to let it all sink in before I could even close my Kindle. Jodi Lamm is probably one of my favorite authors now, thanks not only this novel but also Titan Magic.
Read
August 28, 2015 This was definitely an interesting read. When I heard about "Chemistry", it said that it was based on the famous book by Victor Hugo, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. That was enough for me to get me start on it as soon as possible. In my childhood, I remember watching the Disney version of this classic novel so while I was reading this book I couldn't help but keep imagining and classifying the cartoon characters. However, Jodi Lamm's version is not alike at all to the Disney plot.
This contemporary retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was starred by a completely crazy character named Claude Frollo. I think that it was intriguing to be able to travel on the mind of this character, at least for me. You see, I'm used to reading books based on the hero or the bad person turning into a good kind of character eventually, but in this story, Claude stays 100% true to his way of being. I kept waiting for the part where he would finally recapacitate and do the right thing, but that certainly didn't happen. You could see him struggling with his feelings and macabre thoughts. This was, in a way, something new to me. However it wasn't at all bad, on the contrary, I found it enthralling.
So really, Chemistry is a refreshing retelling that I believe deserves a thumbs up! It was easy, fast to read and not at all boring.
You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef. Huge thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange of my honest opinion.
This contemporary retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was starred by a completely crazy character named Claude Frollo. I think that it was intriguing to be able to travel on the mind of this character, at least for me. You see, I'm used to reading books based on the hero or the bad person turning into a good kind of character eventually, but in this story, Claude stays 100% true to his way of being. I kept waiting for the part where he would finally recapacitate and do the right thing, but that certainly didn't happen. You could see him struggling with his feelings and macabre thoughts. This was, in a way, something new to me. However it wasn't at all bad, on the contrary, I found it enthralling.
So really, Chemistry is a refreshing retelling that I believe deserves a thumbs up! It was easy, fast to read and not at all boring.
You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef. Huge thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange of my honest opinion.
September 1, 2015
Un interessante ma imperfetto riadattamento moderno di Notre-Dame de Paris.
A mio modesto parere, l'autrice rende abbastanza bene (se non forse, alle volte, in maniera un po' melodrammatica) la trasposizione moderna dei personaggi, ma non altrettanto bene le situazioni (difficile quando la maggior parte dei tuoi personaggi sono improvvisamente diventati studenti; nessuno di loro potrà avere le stesse esperienze del libro originale). In ogni caso, una lettura piacevole.
A mio modesto parere, l'autrice rende abbastanza bene (se non forse, alle volte, in maniera un po' melodrammatica) la trasposizione moderna dei personaggi, ma non altrettanto bene le situazioni (difficile quando la maggior parte dei tuoi personaggi sono improvvisamente diventati studenti; nessuno di loro potrà avere le stesse esperienze del libro originale). In ogni caso, una lettura piacevole.
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