One of the great classics of world literature and the inspiration for the most beloved stage musical of all time, Les MisErables is legendary author Victor Hugo's masterpiece. This extraordinary English version by renowned translator Julie Rose captures all the majesty and brilliance of Hugo's work. Here is the timeless story of the quintessential hunted man-Jean Valjean-and the injustices, violence, and social inequalities that torment him. "Rich and gorgeous. This is the [translation] to read."-Times (London)
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"It took a while, but was well worth it. The story plot had many twists, turns and tangles - enough to entertain, grip and surprise me even though I knew the MAIN story, having watched the film (which did a great job of bringing this to life). At times, it was difficult to concentrate - the detail of the Battle of Waterloo where I felt I was suddenly in the midst of reading a totally different book, for one thing! He did well to stick to his liberal convictions and assert his opinions throughout though."
— Jenna (4 out of 5 stars)
" I was forced to read this... but I ended up LOVING it! "
— Jenessa, 2/15/2014" Beautiful tale of love and compassion. Wordy at times; but worth every second of my reading time. "
— Cherrie, 2/13/2014" This is going to take forever to read, but that's OK because it's a remarkable novel in so many ways. "
— Marla, 2/7/2014" Fantastic story - it would have been the best book I've ever read without question were it not for some of the rambling chapters about classical history. That said, it's still an absolute work of art, even in translation. "
— Sjbeale, 2/3/2014" I loved this book! Such a beautiful story of grace and love! Would highly recommend it. "
— Carri, 1/30/2014" A heavy read, tough going and slow at times, but I love the story. Having now seen the film I appreciate why it is so popular. "
— Mark, 1/24/2014" I really enjoyed this. The prose in it can be fantastic once it gets going. It's worth reading for the description of Waterloo alone. "
— Gavin, 1/24/2014" Astonishingly good. Although its a classic I had not expected it to be as good as it is. There are few superlatives to do it justice. The themes of grace, hope and love throughout the narrative awakened and refreshed my soul at virtually every turn of a page. Breathtaking. "
— Ashley, 1/22/2014" I've been reading this for a week now and Kindle still says I'm only 3% done. WTF? So far all it's about is the bishop and how wonderful a person he is. I don't really care. I'll stick with the musical. "
— J.M., 1/20/2014" LOVED IT!! Next time I read it though, I want to get the cliff notes so that the historical, political, and cultural details won't be so overwhelming. Absolutely, a life changing experience! Well worth reading it all!! "
— Kasey, 1/17/2014" Fantastic story - it would have been the best book I've ever read without question were it not for some of the rambling chapters about classical history. That said, it's still an absolute work of art, even in translation. "
— Sjbeale, 1/7/2014" Probably the best book I have ever read, compelling characters, a fast paced plot (if with some diversions) and even in the slower parts Hugo's prose makes you want to read more. Some of the lines in this book made me stop and just appreciate how "true" or beautiful they were. I will be re-reading as soon as time allows "
— Rom, 1/7/2014" Multiple reads over the years and I still get dragged to a dead stop by Marous and Cosette's love story. "
— Judi, 1/6/2014" I really enjoyed reading this book. "
— رعد, 12/20/2013" Novela ardua pero excelente, Obra musical corta pero inspiradora, Pelicula casi . . casi . - . "
— José, 11/29/2013" Excellent book and excellent translation! "
— Isaac, 11/26/2013" I liked the story but he digressed so much. The book could have been half the size. As example he talks about the main character going into the sewer in Paris and then spends 30 pages on the history of Paris sewers! "
— Robin, 11/22/2013" Read for the first time when I was 12. Hugo masterfully opened my eyes to love, war, parenthood, honor and faith. This story and its' characters changed my life. "
— Erin, 10/16/2013" Amazing even though I read the much much shorter abridged version! "
— Abby, 9/21/2013" Beautiful story and a gem of a book - my life is richer for having read it. Merci, Mr. Hugo. "
— Watergirl, 9/20/2013" One of my all time favorites. "
— Robyn, 8/23/2013" Great book, ending made me cry. I hate you Marcus. Read the book first, then go see the movie. "
— Eliza, 6/29/2013" Re reading after seeing the 2013 movie. "
— Sharie, 5/29/2013" A Christ of a novel. Epic in canvas and scale. The novel is the Tarot of novels. The Transfigured Man, Jean Valjean, passes from despair through the Stations of Agony to arrive at Grace. The movies and the plays move, but the novel annihilates. "
— Gabriel, 5/1/2013" one of my fav. book ever <3 "
— Princess, 4/27/2013" Maybe the best book I read during college. "
— John, 4/17/2013" Just saw the movie but it's well-known how great the book is, of course authored by the legendary Victor Hugo. "
— Dania, 2/8/2013" This unedited audio version is wonderful. I had previously listened to the abridged version and it had too much cut out in my opinion. The full version is long but so well worth it. "
— Cynthia, 12/12/2012" I have moved from Rand to Hugo as my philosopher de jure. "
— Amort, 8/19/2012" Outstanding novel that is long but extremely well written and translated. I even like the ~100 pages on Waterloo and the 60+ pages on the construction of the Parisian sewers! Hard not to cry, hard, at the end of this one... "
— David, 8/7/2012" Maybe the best book I read during college. "
— John, 7/31/2012" Must have interest in commitment, minute details, major and minor character analysis, and French history. "
— Jeanee, 5/30/2012" First big book I read in sixth grade. Sooooo goooood "
— Suzanne, 4/5/2012" Best book on my shelf. Deep and poetic in a way anyone can relate to. "
— Austin, 3/27/2012" I loved this book! Not only is the story captivating and intricately woven, but the writing is so superbly poetic, it draws your heart in even more! "
— Jenn, 2/12/2012" Extremely well written but there is a need to plow through chapters of background material that is tedious. "
— Mary, 1/24/2012" It's a masterpiece, set in a troubled yet beautiful period (made beautiful by its trouble). The characters are well developed and Hugo has a subtle, not-laugh-out-loud humor which is golden. "
— Rhoda, 1/22/2012" Every bit the masterpiece it is publicized to be on the human as well as the historical level. "
— Alec, 1/6/2012" Great read but extremely enjoyable as a live production/movie "
— Amanda, 12/21/2011" Pretty good, enjoyed how Hugo wrote. "
— Sarah, 12/9/2011" always loved THE BOOKS, NOW LOVED THE MOVIE "
— Rihab, 11/21/2011" To be honest, I read this in eighth grade. I don't remember many specifics about it, but I made it through the WHOLE DAMN THING. "
— Leata, 10/23/2011" Best novel ever written - bar none! "
— Chip, 10/9/2011" The single most important work in the history of literature. A masterpiece expose on the human condition. Victor Hugo's magnum opus should be a prerequisite to being a part of the human race. In these pages, we find the soul of mankind. "
— Kate, 6/22/2011" I love the first book; Cosette. The rest of the book was terrible! "
— Kayla, 6/20/2011" Not for the faint-hearted, or the impatient. A fantastic, rewarding read. I'll take Hugo's sprawling epic over fast-paced modern fiction like Dan Brown. Hugo does big books the way Stephen King wished he could. "
— Johnny, 6/17/2011" It's a very long time since I read the book in high school but I still remember it vividly. I guess that means it is a great book. "
— Jarkko, 6/13/2011" There's a reason why this book is a classic. "
— Katie, 6/12/2011" I loved this book. I've read it twice and am bound to read it again. "
— Sharon, 6/10/2011" I had to read this in 10th grade for school, so I don't appreciate it as much as I probably should...I'll definitely try reading it again soon though. "
— Kelly, 6/10/2011" Wordless. For sure one of my favorite books! "
— Giovanni, 5/24/2011" I started to read the unabridged novel, than found an abridged reading at the library. Both are fabulous, I still need to finish the unabridged novel. "
— Carrie, 5/21/2011" I understood it alot better than the play which was good. But that might have something to do with all of my classmates talking above the show so I couldn't really understand it. But yep it was a good book about a war and two people that fall in love and all that good stuff. "
— Renata, 5/20/2011" This may be my favorite book of all time. Very moving story that has everything: drama, action, romance, tragedy, set in historic places and times and covering decades. "
— Eric, 5/17/2011" The unabridged took me forever to read, but it really was quite interesting. Not only was the plot enhanced, but I learned a lot of strange yet interesting things about convents, sewers, and little French children who live on the street. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes thick books. "
— Sarah, 5/17/2011" "classic" but boring to read "
— Carrie, 5/16/2011" I have only read this abridged before and I loved that, and so far I really like it unabridged too, lengthy Waterloo scenes and all. "
— O_susannah, 5/16/2011" I read the abridged version. It's language, world, narration, characters, and themes did not capture my attention. I finished it barely. I will say that all my friends thoroughly loved and enjoyed the book. "
— Stephanie, 5/14/2011" buku para pemberontak yang menyentil ssecara terang2an keadaan di paris pada jammannya..gw suka banget sama Mr.Jean Valjeannya "
— Diana, 5/14/2011" A must-read! Nothing more, nothing less! Victor Hugo captures France and the life of its people in a captivating way... to re-read, and re-read over and over again. "
— Willeke, 5/12/2011" Not bad. Has fabulous parts, intensely boring parts. "
— Arjen, 5/11/2011" This is my favorite book. I am not sure why I like it so much, but I like the style of writing as well as the story. Grew up listening to the musical on cd, and have seen the play. Book is still the favorite of all. "
— Brittany, 5/10/2011" Bonjour, Monsieur et Madame. Les Misérables is one of the best history books because the telling of how many french men or women were going through the french revolution. It is really long, but history is still alive because it makes want to learn more about that event or place. <br/> <br/> "
— Qursheedali, 5/9/2011" Read the abridged version. Love this book. Such a great story. "
— Kelley, 5/9/2011Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a poet, novelist, dramatist, and leader of the romantic movement in France. He also played an active part in political life. His literary works best known in English include Les Misérables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Ninety-Three.
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.