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Les Misérables (Abridged) Audiobook
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(4.00) - 310,449 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Set in the Parisian underworld of the early nineteenth century, Les Misérables follows the adventures of Jean Valjean, once an honest peasant, who was imprisoned for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving family. A hardened and bitter criminal upon his release, Valjean is transformed when an act of compassion by a priest he robbed saves him from returning to prison. Changing his identity and his ways, Valjean becomes a successful industrialist and eventually the town mayor. Taking compassion on the poor, he raises the orphaned daughter of a prostitute as his own, never telling her of his shady past. Yet he is haunted by it, still pursued relentlessly by the police inspector Javert, who does not believe in moral redemption. When Valjean's daughter, Cosette, falls in love with a young revolutionary, Javert concocts a plot to catch both the lawless peasants and the elusive Valjean once and for all. Full of suspense, romance, and powerful social commentary, this sweeping epic became the gospel of the oppressed and is widely considered one of the greatest French novels of its age.
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"To commit to reading this book is to commence a long, heart-wrenching, perilous journey. I understand those who, for whatever reasons, do not finish it. Hugo's writing is very vivid, and alive with an incredible insight of human emotions that is at times staggering and overwhelming. He shares a lot of political commentary and opinions, mixed with the history and turmoil of the France of his time. It was during these parts that I would find myself considering not finishing the book, but I would come across a bit of writing that was so exquisite that I continued on in the hopes of finding another gem of a passage. I was never disappointed. It was an adventure I am glad I undertook. I only wish I could have my passport stamped, "Journey Accomplished.""
— Autumn (4 out of 5 stars)
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“When I was fifteen, I was completely bowled over by Les Misérables. All my life long I have continually been discovering fresh aspects of Hugo’s genius.”
— André Maurois -
“A sprawling, robust novel.”
— Daily Mail (London) -
“A humanist masterpiece.”
— Guardian (London) -
“Its historical sweep, during the brewing of the French Revolution, is large, and its emotional sweep even larger.”
— AudioFile -
“Davidson’s exquisitely nuanced interpretation of Les Misérables expertly reflects the excellence of Hugo’s literary and political classic.”
— Booklist (audio review)
Les Misérables Listener Reviews
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" Have alway loved this book! "
— Beverly, 2/12/2014 -
" Aptly titled. A miserable book to read...150 page story crammed into 1000 pages. "
— Papadann, 2/12/2014 -
" Great book, ending made me cry. I hate you Marcus. Read the book first, then go see the movie. "
— Eliza, 2/4/2014 -
" This book made me believe in love, transformation, and happily ever-afters, and in the most intelligently tragic way. "
— Hannah, 12/31/2013 -
" I am so sad that I'm finished with this book. I don't want to leave these people. Oh, and I want to run away with Jean Valjean. "
— Rosemaryknits, 12/20/2013 -
" Wow. Just wow. Hugo's writing is unique and genius. Everyone should read this book! "
— Jonah, 12/12/2013 -
" Took me a couple years to get through it once. Like reading the Bible. I've gone back and read different books in it to refresh in my mind the backstory on the characters before going to the stage play, or sitting down to listen to the music. Yeah, I'm a Les Miz Groupie. "
— Cheri, 10/7/2013 -
" When asked what is my favorite book this is my response "
— Shelly, 9/28/2013 -
" I loved every moment of this book. It's a phenomenal read cover to cover. I loved it!! "
— Kristin, 9/28/2013 -
" I really liked the book. There are many things that are in the book that are not in the movie. I definitely recommend the book even though it is 1200 pages. It is totally worth it. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Clare, 8/6/2013 -
" Amazing Book.... Read it to watch the movie thereafter.... and now i can....;-) "
— Arvind, 7/13/2013
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 Frederick Davidson
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.