80 pages • 2 hours read
Les Miserables
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Book Brief
1463
Novel • Fiction
France • 1830s
1862
Adult
18+ years
990L
Super Short Summary
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo follows the lives of several characters in early 19th-century France, chiefly Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption; Inspector Javert, who obsessively hunts Valjean; Fantine, a woman forced into destitution; and Marius, a revolutionary who falls in love with Valjean's adopted daughter, Cosette. The novel explores themes of justice, poverty, and the transformative power of love. The narrative includes instances of violence, suicide, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Melancholic
Inspirational
Contemplative
Dark
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Victor Hugo's Les Miserables is widely celebrated for its in-depth character development, rich historical context, and profound themes of justice and redemption. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and social commentary, though some criticize its length and dense prose. Overall, it remains a compelling and influential literary classic.
Who Should Read Les Miserables?
A reader who enjoys Les Miserables by Victor Hugo typically appreciates historical fiction, complex character development, and social justice themes. Fans of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens might find this novel equally compelling due to its rich narrative and socio-political commentary.
Javert
Javert
A police inspector with an unwavering commitment to the law, whose pursuit of justice leads him into conflict with Valjean.
Cosette
Cosette
The daughter of Fantine, she is raised by Valjean and grows from an abused child into a young woman, embodying purity and innocence.
Marius Pontmercy
Marius Pontmercy
A young man from a wealthy family, involved in revolutionary politics, and develops a deep affection for Cosette.
Thénardier
Thénardier
A dishonest and self-serving character who engages in various criminal activities throughout the story.
1463
Novel • Fiction
France • 1830s
1862
Adult
18+ years
990L
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