Smiling Man

Author: [French] Victor Hugo original; Zhihua adapted
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-03-01
Features: After the tragic history of Grendel's childhood was brought to light, he regained his noble title but hated the aristocratic society. In the parliament, he severely condemned the crimes of the aristocracy, profoundly exposing their life of indulgence while the common people lived in poverty and hardship. He powerfully attacked the evil, man-eating society, passionately declaring the people's voice: "This society is unreasonable, and a truly classless society will one day come into being." Grendel left the life that did not belong to him and returned to his companions, but poor Tim was already on his deathbed. Ultimately, he left this world. Grendel was heartbroken and committed suicide by jumping into the sea, following his beloved to another world.
The protagonist, Grendel, is the son of a British peer and the sole heir to the property and title. To achieve his hidden agenda, after his parents' death, the king ordered him to be sold to child traffickers. The traffickers disfigured the child's face, leaving a permanent smile on it. From the age of two, he performed tricks with these people. When he was ten, to escape severe legal punishment, the ruthless traffickers abandoned him on the coast of Poland. This child survived the hardships and dangers and, in the snowdrifts, rescued a blind infant named Tim. The beggar Susu adopted them. They relied on each other, earning a living by performing on the streets and living a nomadic life. In the midst of their suffering, Grendel and Tim, these unlucky souls, developed pure love.