The Last Day of a Condemned by Victor Hugo is a poignant and moving exploration of the mental and emotional turmoil experienced by a man awaiting his execution. Through the detailed first-person account of the unnamed protagonist, Hugo masterfully captures the fear, anguish, and despair that accompany the looming specter of death.

The book delves deep into the innermost thoughts and feelings of the condemned man, as he grapples with his impending fate and reflects on the crimes that have brought him to this point. Hugo’s prose is evocative and powerful, painting a vivid and harrowing portrait of a life on the brink of extinction.

As the protagonist counts down the hours until his execution, the reader is taken on a turbulent journey through his memories, regrets, and hopes for redemption. The fragile thread of hope that sustains him amidst the darkness of his situation is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Overall, The Last Day of a Condemned is a compelling and thought-provoking read that forces the reader to confront questions of morality, justice, and the true nature of humanity. Victor Hugo’s mastery of storytelling and his ability to evoke raw emotions make this novella a gripping and unforgettable exploration of the human experience.

Book Description:
A man who has been condemned to death writes down his cogitations, feelings and fears while he is waiting for his execution. He does not betray his name to the reader or what he has done. He describes his life in prison, everything from what his cell looks like to the personality of the prison priest. (Introduction by Wikipedia)