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Les Miserables Audiobook
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(4.00) - 310,495 listener ratings
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Publisher 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. This is an unabridged audio recording of the 1887 Isabel F. Hapgood translation.
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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)
Les Miserables Listener Reviews
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" I was forced to read this... but I ended up LOVING it! "
— Jenessa, 2/15/2014 -
" I loved this book! Such a beautiful story of grace and love! Would highly recommend it. "
— Carri, 1/30/2014 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Beautiful story and a gem of a book - my life is richer for having read it. Merci, Mr. Hugo. "
— Watergirl, 9/20/2013 -
" 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 -
" Maybe the best book I read during college. "
— John, 4/17/2013 -
" 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 -
" Must have interest in commitment, minute details, major and minor character analysis, and French history. "
— Jeanee, 5/30/2012 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 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 -
" I loved this book. I've read it twice and am bound to read it again. "
— Sharon, 6/10/2011
About Victor Hugo
Victor 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.
About Pete Cross
Pete Cross is an Earphones Award–winning narrator. He holds a BA in theater from the University of Toledo and an MFA in acting from the California Institute of the Arts. His experience on stage includes Carnegie Hall, and he has also acted in film. He has served on the faculty at Cal Arts and with Aquila Morong Studio in Hollywood. He has coached for film and theatrical productions and continues to work with private clients all over the world.