Ninety-Three: A New Translation

by Victor Hugo, David Petault (translator)

First published in 1874, Victor Hugo’s Ninety-Three (Quatrevingt-Treize) is a masterful historical novel that captures the chaos, heroism, and moral dilemmas of the French Revolution’s most turbulent year. Set during the Reign of Terror in 1793, this work marks the culmination of Hugo’s literary career, combining his signature themes of justice, humanity, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.

Ninety-Three unfolds against the backdrop of civil war between the revolutionary government in Paris and the royalist insurgents in the Vendée region. Hugo weaves a complex narrative that follows three interconnected Marquis de Lantenac, a royalist nobleman fighting for the old regime; Gauvain, a revolutionary commander torn between duty and compassion; and Cimourdain, a fervent revolutionary whose unyielding devotion to justice leads to tragic consequences. These characters embody the competing ideologies of the time, offering a deeply human lens through which Hugo examines the broader forces shaping history.

At its heart, Ninety-Three is more than a historical novel; it is a meditation on the complexities of revolution and the moral ambiguities faced by individuals caught in the crossfire. Hugo delves into the stark contrasts between loyalty and betrayal, love and duty, and mercy and vengeance, crafting a narrative that challenges readers to confront the ethical dilemmas inherent in societal upheaval.

Hugo’s vivid descriptions bring to life both the grandeur and the horrors of 18th-century France, from the brutal battlefields of the Vendée to the imposing halls of revolutionary tribunals. His deep empathy for humanity shines through even in the novel’s darkest moments, as he portrays the sacrifices and struggles of both sides with unflinching honesty.

For readers seeking a story of action, philosophy, and emotional depth, Ninety-Three offers an unforgettable journey into one of history’s most dramatic eras. It is a novel that resonates with Hugo’s belief in the ultimate triumph of human dignity and compassion, even amidst the chaos of revolution.

To read Ninety-Three is to witness the collision of ideals and realities, to grapple with the moral complexities of change, and to experience Victor Hugo’s literary genius at its most profound and poignant. It is a testament to the enduring power of his vision and the timeless relevance of his themes.

422 pages, Hardcover

Published December 22, 2024

About the author

After Napoleon III seized power in 1851, French writer Victor Marie Hugo went into exile and in 1870 returned to France; his novels include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831) and Les Misérables (1862).

This poet, playwright, novelist, dramatist, essayist, visual artist, statesman, and perhaps the most influential, important exponent of the Romantic movement in France, campaigned for human rights. People in France regard him as one of greatest poets of that country and know him better abroad.