Les Misérables (Signet Classics) by Victor Hugo
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Book Reviews of Les Misérables (Signet Classics)
Book Review: Les Miserables, A classic novel, a must read
Summary: 5 Stars
This novel is not the easiest read, and i recommend the unabridged version. It is a love story centered around a war.LES MISERABLES is set during the time of the French Revolution. It portrays the character of Jean Valjean, who at the beginning of the novel is set free after nineteen years in prison. He grew up in a very poor family, and when his parents passed away, he lived with his widowed sister who had seven children. He had a job as a tree-pruner and with his income he supported his sister and her children. It was when Jean Valjean lost his job, the family ran out of food. With no money and no food, Jean Valjean took it upon himself to steal food. He was caught by the police for stealing a loaf of bread and was sent to prison. The original prison sentence was to last only a few years, but as Jean Valjean saw opportunities to escape he did so, and everytime he was caught more years of being locked up in prison were added. It was after nineteen years he was set free, but had to carry a yellow ticket with him so anywhere he went, whether to get employment, he was to show it as his i.d. - thus labelling him as an ex-convict. You read about him walking around town looking for an inn to stay at, but nobody is allowing him in because of his history as a convict. He then is introduced to a bishop who whole heartily takes him in to his own home. The bishop is poor but offers Jean Valjean shelter and food for free. How does Jean repay him? He steals the bishop's silverware and runs off only to be caught by the police. The police bring Jean Valjean to confront the bishop, but the bishop makes the situation look like he gave Jean Valjean the silverware as a gift. He also included a set of silver candlesticks to go with it. The bishop then pulls Jean Valjean aside, and he tells him to promise him to sell the silver utensils and make a good life out of himself. To change for the better. Jean Valjean is absolutely stunned at the kindness he receives from the bishop. Through the bishop, Jean Valjean begins his transistion from an ex-convict to a saint, to a man of almost perfection. You'll meet many more terrific characters some evil (The Thernardiers...), some sweet (Cosette, Fantine, Gavorche, Marius and more). You will read about how Jean Valjean changes his life, making himself an important and helpful person for others. You'll understand how tough life was for the poor for the people that were less fortunate living in the time of the revolution. You'll also understand the power of love and the power of forgiveness. As well the ending of the story is the most powerful ending to any story I've ever read. A true classic
Book Review: Tips for reading Les Miserable and savoring 5 Stars
Having not read many literature books in my lifetime, undertaking to read one of the finest piece of work ever written is a challenge.If you are like me and have read the reviews on Amazon before tackling this gigantic novel then I do not need to go on about how great this book is and what it is all about.
Also, if like me, you are a beginner in the world of fine literature, the following are a few tips I would give to those who haven't read Les Miserables. Here goes:
1. Get the book and do not be intimidated by its size. It is huge but the chapters are not very long.
2. Make sure to buy the Signet Classic version translated by Lee Fahnestock and Norman MacAfee (ISBN 0-451-5256-4). One reviewer said that this was the best version available and I totally agree with that. This is the new version based on the 19th Century Charles E. Wilbour translation. I had another version of this book and this one is by far the only completely unabridged paperback and also more reader-friendly.
3. Have a dictionary handy as there are many words that need translation.
4. Knowing the French language/history is a bonus but not required.
5. Have patience - this book will require time to read and when I say read, I mean savor each word. Do not read hastily or skip over parts that you think are not important. Yes, Mr. Hugo is very meticulous and detail-oriented in his description of characters, things and places but by reading and in some cases (like me), re-reading you will realize that they were written because they are essential to the plot of this book. Also make sure that when you are reading the book, there are no distractions, i.e., tv, radio...as this book requires total concentration in order to fully appreciate it.
6. Do not be tempted to see the movie or show instead of reading the book. Read the book first and then go see the show or watch the movie if you want to. Be prepared to be disappointed with movie/musical as they cannot convey the, emotion, wisdom, love, etc... contained in the written version. Seeing the movie/musical instead or reading the book is like watching a Yankees game on TV instead of being at the stadium in NYC cheering along with the rest of the fans. Well you get my drift....
7. Be prepared to be changed by this book. No, it is not the Bible but it does deal with all aspect of human emotions and by reading it, you will want to be a better person. I know I do!!!
With that being said, enjoy the book as it is a reading experience that you will not soon forget.
Book Review: Useful Tips for Reading Les Miserables
Summary: 5 Stars
Having not read many literature books in my lifetime, undertaking to read one of the finest piece of work ever written is a challenge.
If you are like me and have read the reviews on Amazon before tackling this gigantic novel then I do not need to go on about how great this book is and what it is all about.
Also, if like me, you are a beginner in the world of fine literature, the following are a few tips I would give to those who haven't read Les Miserables. Here goes:
1. Get the book and do not be intimidated by its size. It is huge but the chapters are not very long.
2. Make sure to buy the Signet Classic version translated by Lee Fahnestock and Norman MacAfee (ISBN 0-451-5256-4). One reviewer said that this was the best version available and I totally agree with that. This is the new version based on the 19th Century Charles E. Wilbour translation. I had another version of this book and this one is by far the only completely unabridged paperback and also more reader-friendly.
3. Have a dictionary handy as there are many words that need translation.
4. Knowing the French language/history is a bonus but not required.
5. Have patience - this book will require time to read and when I say read, I mean savor each word. Do not read hastily or skip over parts that you think are not important. Yes, Mr. Hugo is very meticulous and detail-oriented in his description of characters, things and places but by reading and in some cases (like me), re-reading you will realize that they were written because they are essential to the plot of this book. Also make sure that when you are reading the book, there are no distractions, i.e., tv, radio...as this book requires total concentration in order to fully appreciate it.
6. Do not be tempted to see the movie or show instead of reading the book. Read the book first and then go see the show or watch the movie if you want to. Be prepared to be disappointed with movie/musical as they cannot convey the, emotion, wisdom, love, etc... contained in the written version. Seeing the movie/musical instead or reading the book is like watching a Yankees game on TV instead of being at the stadium in NYC cheering along with the rest of the fans. Well you get my drift....
7. Be prepared to be changed by this book. No, it is not the Bible but it does deal with all aspect of human emotions and by reading it, you will want to be a better person. I know I do!!!
With that being said, enjoy the book as it is a reading experience that you will not soon forget.
Book Review: A great human tale, thought-provoking and full of emotion
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read Les Miserables 5 years ago in 10th grade English. That was the abridged version, of course. Remembering that I liked it a fairly good amount, I just recently read the full version. I'm glad I did.
Hugo tells a wonderful story of Jean Valjean and his quest to be as good a man as possible while taking care of the young Cosette. Valjean is a truly inspiring character and one of my favorite literary characters. Hugo does a great job of creating a wonderful cast of characters, each which represents various aspects of humanity. They all have meaning and purpose, representing certain features of society. This is particulary true of Police Inspector Javert, who is a very interesting character in his relentless and unwavering execution of enforcing the law.
The plot is pretty interesting, basically telling of Valjean rise from the depths of humanity as a convict to near saint-like status as a humble and honorable free man. The emotional character of Valjean is very interesting as he often finds great conflict not only with society, but within himself. One thing I liked was Hugo's interweaving the characters lives, with people and events that may at first seem of minor importance popping later in the tale and greatly effecting the tale's progression. It's interesting how events and characters all work and fit together.
The only problem I really had was this book was the sometimes very long tangents Hugo sometimes went on about abstract ideas and descriptions that although were not completely unrelated to the story, went a little too far. A little more moderation would have been nice as when reading these parts it kind of felt like something you had to wade through, wondering when you'd get back to the main story. But, at least Hugo's writing is often very poetic and is pleasant to read.
If you're wondering if you can find much excitement in a book set in 19th century France, you can. This was a very compelling story and had some interesting tense scenes, particulary one in which Valjean is captured by a band of thieves. It was pleasant to read a tale with so much description of the time and locations. It really adds to the richness of the story.
Overall, this is a great book and I'm glad I read it. I give it about 4.7 stars and not a full 5 only because of the long tedious portions. If you're interested in a great human story, pick this book up and enjoy.
Book Review: The Masterpiece of the Master
Summary: 5 Stars
If you have any concern about the human condition, if you wish to meet characters that will live in you forever, if you relish a tale that twists, turns, surprises and soars from start to finish, if you wish to be a better person, than I entreat you, you must read Les Miserables.
Yes, it's almost 1500 pages; sure, it replete with references to a 19th century French lexicon; and, no doubt, there are several long historical digressions, but rather than detriments or handicaps, these qualities catapult Les Miserables from simply a classic to one of the most enduring, compelling, and captivating tales of all time. 1500 pages, you'll be yearning for more; the uniquely expressive French lexicon, you'll make it your own; the historical digressions, you'll wonder why your college textbooks couldn't make history so clear.
Hugo creates men of character, of principle, and unleashes them into the torrents of unforgiving 19th century world. The forsaken mother who, against frightful circumstance, knows nothing but the welfare of her child; the castoff gamin whose courage and goodness would make a God jealous; the incorruptible gendarme relentlessly, unquestioningly, and tragically pursuing the letter of the law; the ingenious, scheming, and wholly evil innkeeper forever haunting the world for a few sou more; the young man whose eyes open to the most noble ideals of liberty and of love; and of course, one man, a giant of a man, in both strength of flesh and of conscience, whose very existence is rescued by a brief encounter with a man of unrequited goodness, who henceforth lives unerringly to his promise. Fantine, Gavroche, Javert, Thenardier, Marius, Cosette, Jean Valjean. These names are literary legends and names that will become apart of you.
The storyline jumps from epoch to epoch, from character to character, from fiction to fact, and yet, amazingly, this incredibly complex and intricate work is woven together better than the Louvre's finest tapestry. Nothing is out of place or unnecessary. Early chapters set the stage, retreat from memory, and then explode like a geyser leaving one gasping for air.
And through it all, you'll cheer for one man; a man of integrity, of kindness, of courage, of righteousness, and you'll hold him, his deeds, and his benevolence, as the standard for your own life. You too will not forget, you'll never forget, his promise to live life to as an honest man.