The man who laughs

Written by Victor Hugo while in exile, 'The Man Who Laughs' is a poignant tale of Gwynplaine, a young nobleman disfigured by the Comprachicos, who becomes a performer in a traveling carnival.

The novel critiques the nobility and societal norms of the time, using Gwynplaine's story to symbolize the effects of oppression on humanity.

Despite initial negative reception, it is now recognized as one of Hugo's greatest works.