Les Mis???rables is a magnificent, sweeping story of revolution, love and the will to survive amidst the poverty-stricken streets of nineteeth-century Paris. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an introduction by Paul Bailey. Escaped convict Jean Valjean turns his back on a criminal past to build his fortunes as an honest man. ...
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Les Mis???rables is a magnificent, sweeping story of revolution, love and the will to survive amidst the poverty-stricken streets of nineteeth-century Paris. Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an introduction by Paul Bailey. Escaped convict Jean Valjean turns his back on a criminal past to build his fortunes as an honest man. He takes in abandoned orphan Cosette and raises her as his own daughter. But Jean Valjean is unable to free himself from his previous life and is pursued to the end by ruthless policeman Javert. As Cosette grows up, young idealist Marius catches a glimpse of her and falls desperately in love. The fates of all the characters await them during the violent turmoil of the June Rebellion in 1832. This abridged version of Victor Hugo's masterpiece was published in 1915 with the aim to provide 'a unified story of the life and soul-struggles of Jean Valjean'.
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Les Miserables :
One of my all time favourites!! So beautifully written, this book got me reading again after 15 yrs.
I found the parts about the revolution etc. a little hard to follow at first?but I would say to anyone ?don?t put it down!!? The book is kind of dark and dreary. But those were the times. There are many sad characters and many sad story lines. But you love all of the characters and if you have the tiniest bit of compassion you feel for them all... even Javert!! It is a reminder of the terrible times, the dirty, grimy factories, consumption, the poor and the starving people?the injustice.
On the up side, it is a book about love, a mother?s love, a father?s love, and a grandfather?s love. Jean Valjean is a hero beyond compare, and the beautiful characters, Eponine, Fantine and little Gavroche steal your heart!! The Grandfather?s love for Marius was for me one of the most moving parts of the story. I think this was the first time that I sobbed when reading a book! Ha! Ha!
??so long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which in the face of civilization, artificially creates hell on earth, and complicates a destiny that is divine, with human fatality; so long as the three problems of the age- the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of women by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night- are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, and from a yet more extended point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.? V.H. 1862
There is a reason it has been made into a movie and play over and over again.
It will always be a favourite of mine. I say ?read it, read it, read it!!?
jem7
Mar 25, 2010
Great book
The book shipped fast . The book was in great condition. The seller described the book great.
Ron Townsend
Sep 3, 2008
An inspiration
For ten years after reading Les Miserables I took inspiration from it in regard to how I treated other people. The unabridged version has some places that are hard to understand why Hugo included them but in all it was a superb read and I recommend to anyone who wants to understand redemption.
Andrey
Jul 24, 2008
Les Miserables Review
Excellent Book. Victor Hugo is a remarkable author easily compared to Henrik Sinkewitz in his writing style. The book is historically accurate which adds to the value of reading the book and following the storyline. Hugo does an excellent job depicting the Battle of Waterloo and takes a whole chapter to do so. Do not which to ruin the story so I will say that the story line is brilliant showing True repentance of a man who was once a sinner as we all are.
Selina
Oct 11, 2007
Classic
I had to read this for a class and while not as exciting as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" it was a pretty good book. Hugo took a social issue and wrote an epic story. Expressing the plight of the poor in this beautifuly constructive narrative it opens ones eyes to important issues. Alot of the complaints can still be seen it today's word, which is why "Les Miserables" is a timeless tale.
Its nice to see a story concerned with redemption. Jean Valjean starts out as a criminal an rises as a politician and even raises a foster daughter. He is a compassionate man haunted by his past life.
