Read-along Seduction by M.J. Rose discussion

Now that you've gotten a chance to spend some time with Victor Hugo I wanted to know if you had any questions and how are you feeling about him? I came to care about him and Fantine so much I hope you are too.

I'm intrigued by how you are using a variation on the crossroads myth and the devil offering heart's desire in exchange for a soul. The story appears to equate Hugo's soul with his literary output, since what the devil is specifically requesting is not VH's soul, but more that he act like a PR flack and tout the devil's attractive qualities in his writing. Is this how you see the "real" Hugo- as defined by his writing success? And how much or how little of yourself is in that depiction?

Thanks Linda. Hugo actually wrote that Lucifer - the sprit who Hugo called the Shadow of the Tomb - asked him to do this, asked him to write about him and restore his reputation. Nothing of me is in the description its 100% what I got from reading Hugo's biography.

Hi M.J, what has stricken me, not knowing much about V.Hugo's biography, is how nothing seemed to be enough for him. He seemed to have this "heaviness" in him almost self-destructive. Even though he had great professional and financial success, a good family and good friends he had to be always looking for something more: mistresses, his dead daughter, the spiritual world, etc...

Daniella wrote: "Hi M.J, what has stricken me, not knowing much about V.Hugo's biography, is how nothing seemed to be enough for him. He seemed to have this "heaviness" in him almost self-destructive. Even though ..."

I think that's true of Hugo.. and of many artists of all kinds... think of Picasso for one. I think that's what drives many creative people. Great insight.

Some people are always "searching" & willing to give up the good things they have for "more" but it never ends. I like those thoughts, Daniella. I used to tell my children that "the more you have, the more you want" & it is just a vicious cycle--lol

But even though he seemed to have this never ending desire for more, I have to say I liked to see that his moral judgement spoke louder when The Shadow tried to strike a deal with him and he denied it....well, maybe I'm speaking too soon since I haven't finished the book..

Ev wrote: "Some people are always "searching" & willing to give up the good things they have for "more" but it never ends. I like those thoughts, Daniella. I used to tell my children that "the more you have..."

So true!

I started with the Lost Fragrance and then Seduction and just finished Collector of Dying Breaths - just kept getting better until the end! Hated to think that it was the end and hope for maybe a follow up in the future but for now have tracked down some of your earlier books to read :)