"Les Miserables" by: Victor Hugo

Recommended Age: 18+

1,488 pages

Description: Considered to be French novelist Victor Hugo's masterpiece, Les Miserables, which was published in 1862, is a sprawling historical and philosophical epic that covers from 1815 through the Paris Uprising in 1832.

Notable for its many subplots and digressions from the main storyline, the novel's stated aim is a progress from evil to good, from injustice to justice, from falsehood to truth, which can be seen most clearly in the story of the central character Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who struggles to shake the sins of his past and become a good man.

Widely adapted, the novel inspired the blockbuster musical and movie colloquially known as Les Mis.

My Rating: 5/5

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo has been considered classic literature for decades. Expertly written, Hugo delves into various themes of morality and forgiveness all while maintaining his audience’s attention.

First, Les Misérables delves into the theme of morality. The majority of the story follows the life of Jean Valjean. He is arrested for stealing bread and then after nineteen years in the chain gang is released. He continues to struggle with dishonesty until he encounters a kind bishop who gives him a chance at honesty. From then on, Valjean turns his life around, seeking to bring kindness to those he encounters (especially the poor population). I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Valjean’s moral transformation from a criminal to a man who loves like a father. While there are no explicitly Christian themes or conversions, there are certainly correlations that can be made.

Second, Les Misérables delves into the theme of forgiveness. Jean Valjean’s moral transformation happened as a result of his encounter with the bishop. Valjean stole candlesticks from the bishop but received forgiveness and grace. This act of kindness is what shaped his view of people, making him want to display kindness to those he interacted with from then on. Much later in his life, Valjean remembers the

kindness of the bishop and chooses to save the life of one who had wronged him. This act of forgiveness was such a beautiful moment in the story, truly indicating the change that happened in Valjean’s heart.

The story of Les Misérables is one of deep love, moral transformation and forgiveness. I will admit it took me a little bit to understand what was going on at the beginning, but after a couple of hours, I gathered what was happening.

Things to be aware of in “Les Miserables”

THIS IS NOT AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW.

Language:

  • 7 forms of “a**” or “a**es” (all in reference to an actual donkey)

  • 1 “da**ed”

  • Numerous usages of the Lord’s name in vain

Romantic Content:

  • Sex is mentioned.

Additional Notes:

  • Some characters are described as “fat.”

Links to the book: Amazon and Goodreads.


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