Scan barcode
dnandrews797's review against another edition
5.0
Mon dieu, was this a journey. This rivals War and Peace and The Count of Monte Cristo in terms of large novels, but was it ever excellent. Despite its size and (let’s be honest) frequent tangents, Les Misèrables was a grand epic of a story that grapples with society’s law vs moral law, the different forms of love and sacrifice that exist in the world, and tragedy throughout.
I was throughly moved by every scene and character, especially our hero Jean Valjean. Our antagonists were also equally compelling with the cunning and despicable Thenadier and the upright, lawful-good Javert.
The poetry of the writing is something to look out for also, the phrasing and the way certain scenes are evoked by the author’s word choice is deeply moving.
The only thing wrong with this book is I didn’t read it all in a little bar or coffee shop in Paris.
Despite its size, I’ll probably come back for a reread.
I was throughly moved by every scene and character, especially our hero Jean Valjean. Our antagonists were also equally compelling with the cunning and despicable Thenadier and the upright, lawful-good Javert.
The poetry of the writing is something to look out for also, the phrasing and the way certain scenes are evoked by the author’s word choice is deeply moving.
The only thing wrong with this book is I didn’t read it all in a little bar or coffee shop in Paris.
Despite its size, I’ll probably come back for a reread.
itsgracewillford's review against another edition
1.0
read this book if you want to finish it in a year, at that rate, just watch the musical or the movie. It’s entirely unnecessary and far too descriptive to be remotely captivating.
abrandle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
_sarah_s's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
angelune's review against another edition
4.0
I've read Les Misérables maybe five or six years ago, for a class in school; Because of my horrible memory, the read is quite fuzzy for me, but I still remember certain details. I know for a fact that I quite liked Hugo's writing in this (I prefer his poetry) and the story, which seemed dull to most of my classmates, but not me. Definitely need to reread this, one day, so I can set everything straight.
italorebelo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
callumiao's review against another edition
I’ll pick you up again when I’m in my hermit phase 😭🫡
bcjoneschrist's review against another edition
5.0
Took a uncharacteristically long time for me to finish—Victor Hugo, I apologise—but it was entirely worth it.
I’d dabbled in a couple of adaptations of Les Mis before, so knew what I was in for, but I’m glad I took the (long) time to absorb it that I did. Hugo digresses—a lot—and my initial disgust/irritation with them was slowly replaced by interest and fascination as I accepted his essays as an inherent part of the book. Props to the translator of this edition, also. I’m sure I shall read this book a few more times in my life. Jean Valjean is one of the most tragic, fascinating, and good-hearted characters in any piece of fiction.
Thank you, Hugo. Long-dead Romantic slutty poet and writer that you were.
I’d dabbled in a couple of adaptations of Les Mis before, so knew what I was in for, but I’m glad I took the (long) time to absorb it that I did. Hugo digresses—a lot—and my initial disgust/irritation with them was slowly replaced by interest and fascination as I accepted his essays as an inherent part of the book. Props to the translator of this edition, also. I’m sure I shall read this book a few more times in my life. Jean Valjean is one of the most tragic, fascinating, and good-hearted characters in any piece of fiction.
Thank you, Hugo. Long-dead Romantic slutty poet and writer that you were.
motmary's review against another edition
5.0
Unpopular opinion: Marius Pontmercy is the reason of JEAN VALJEAN death and I hate him for that so much.
the part where Enjolras and Grantaire dying together smiling while holding hands is so heartbreaking and Gavroche the little boy death I cried he deserved a better life.
the part where Enjolras and Grantaire dying together smiling while holding hands is so heartbreaking and Gavroche the little boy death I cried he deserved a better life.