Come When I Sleep
Description:
Nine recordings of "Come When I Sleep" by Victor-Marie Hugo have been brought to you by dedicated LibriVox volunteers. This collection was part of the Weekly Poetry project for the date April 21, 2024.
Victor-Marie Hugo, often referred to as the Ocean Man, is a notable French Romantic author and politician. His prolific literary career, which lasted over sixty years, saw him explore a wide range of genres and styles. In France, he is especially celebrated for his poetry.
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M4B Audiobook (5MB)
Plot summary (can contain spoilers!):
Come When I Sleep is a lesser-known work by Victor Hugo that explores themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human emotions. The narrative revolves around a young protagonist, Pierre, who is caught in the throes of an unrequited love. He becomes enamored with a beautiful but elusive woman named Isabelle, who appears to come from a world far removed from his own. Throughout the novel, Hugo paints a vivid picture of Pierre's internal struggles as he grapples with his feelings, despair, and the weight of societal expectations.
As Pierre navigates his unfulfilled passions, he encounters a series of characters that embody different perspectives on love and existence. There is the wise old poet who serves as a mentor, offering Pierre insight into the nature of true love and the importance of self-discovery. On the other hand, there are skeptical friends who question Pierre’s fixation on Isabel, pushing him to consider the futility of his desires. These interactions allow Hugo to delve into the broader philosophical discussions of fate, free will, and the choices that define one’s path in life.
Amidst Pierre's quests and confrontations with identity, the narrative crescendos towards a poignant climax. A fateful night brings both revelation and tragedy, forcing Pierre to confront not only his feelings for Isabelle but also the realities of life and love. As the title suggests, the notion of 'coming' in moments of vulnerability and silence weaves through the text, hinting at the interconnectedness of dreams and the waking world. Ultimately, Pierre's journey becomes one of awakening, with the conclusion leaving readers pondering the nature of love, the passage of time, and the dreams that linger in the human heart.