My guest today is one the leading academics on the life and work of Victor Hugo and his work. Marva Barnett is a Professor Emerita at the University of Virginia, where she taught French and drama. Her great passion and academic specialty is Victor Hugo on whom she’s written extensively, including two books "To Love Is to Act: Les Misérables and Victor Hugo's Vision for Leading Lives of Conscience", as well as "Victor Hugo on Things That Matter".

In this episode, we discuss the political and social context in which he wrote this massive work, how it fits into his wider bibliography, and what are some of the parallels that can connect to his other work.

Books mentioned in the episode:

Favourite book I’ve never heard of: “This Side of Brightness” by Colum McCann

Favourite book of the last 12 months: “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan

Disappointing book of the last 12 months: “The Good Lord Bird” by James McBride

Desert Island book: “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

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