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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
(never made it until the end, ALMOST though) (like 200 pages left) (I was so tired)
03/23/2012. Oh. My. God. This book was so LOOOOOOOONNNNG and so DRRRRRRRRYYYYY. I read that it was released as a serial at the time of publication. I would have rather read it a chapter at a time every week for 4 years in order to finish it rather than sequester myself from civilization and force myself to finish it. Yes, I FORCED myself to finish this book. I found myself doing laundry, mopping floors, cleaning baseboards, brushing the dog, and finding any other activity to do rather than read this book.
Currently I would rate this story 3 stars. I was expecting to read a heavy tale of woe and while that tale is present, the author adds humor and ironic twists which lighten up the subject matter making the characters more...human.
This is a refreshing break from the YA that I have been reading lately. The reality is that in the past (50-100 years ago) most young people were reading Les Mis in their youth while young people today read Twilight. Something has been lost, I can't quite put my finger on it. In The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom explains that the slow removal of classic literature, the little discussion of political and economic theory and the limited study of foreign languages in modern curricula has hindered the American public in the intellectual world. I have to agree. We base so much on test scores and trade-skill based learning that we don't have time to discuss the trials and tribulations of David Copperfield and how the social strata, economic system and political stability relate to his world of black markets, a benefactor, knowing the meaning of family and ultimately his success. Are our young people out of touch with the history of the world due to this educational deficit?
Currently I would rate this story 3 stars. I was expecting to read a heavy tale of woe and while that tale is present, the author adds humor and ironic twists which lighten up the subject matter making the characters more...human.
This is a refreshing break from the YA that I have been reading lately. The reality is that in the past (50-100 years ago) most young people were reading Les Mis in their youth while young people today read Twilight. Something has been lost, I can't quite put my finger on it. In The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom explains that the slow removal of classic literature, the little discussion of political and economic theory and the limited study of foreign languages in modern curricula has hindered the American public in the intellectual world. I have to agree. We base so much on test scores and trade-skill based learning that we don't have time to discuss the trials and tribulations of David Copperfield and how the social strata, economic system and political stability relate to his world of black markets, a benefactor, knowing the meaning of family and ultimately his success. Are our young people out of touch with the history of the world due to this educational deficit?
This book was INCREDIBLE. The plot was amazing, characters were perfectly developed, the ending FLOORED me, it was just very very good. Now, you would think that deserves a five star rating, and I would agree, if it weren’t for all the extra junk Victor Hugo put in there
One minute he’ll be going through this gripping section with Jean Valjean and Javert and then just…go on a rant about the pitfalls of convents in society? Like?? I want to read about the plot not this. And it’s not like it wasn’t interesting (for the most part), but it just puts the breaks on an otherwise enthralling tale.
Like I legitimately believe Old Victor sat down to write the longest book he could, but when he found it was under 100,000 words was like, “hmmmm I have these character studies I wrote for myself that have no impact on the story at all, I could add those.” *adds them* “I also have these essays I REALLY love, readers want to hear an in-depth description of the Paris sewer system right?” *ADDS THEM* “Ooo ooo I like history a lot, one of my side characters fought in Waterloo once, I can give a 30 page retelling of that! You know, while I’m at it I can also include a rundown of the last 100 years of history so my readers get the FULL picture of my novel. They’ll need that.” *He. Adds. Them.*
Like dude! I signed up for a FICTION novel, I don’t care what you have to say about why exactly you’ve decided to incorporate 1830s prisoner slang into your story, sorry, I don’t care.
Again, the plot was impeccable, but Victor really could have benefited from an editor. Seriously.
Still, if you’re looking for a long old-timey book and have already read War and Peace, I’ll recommend this one
One minute he’ll be going through this gripping section with Jean Valjean and Javert and then just…go on a rant about the pitfalls of convents in society? Like?? I want to read about the plot not this. And it’s not like it wasn’t interesting (for the most part), but it just puts the breaks on an otherwise enthralling tale.
Like I legitimately believe Old Victor sat down to write the longest book he could, but when he found it was under 100,000 words was like, “hmmmm I have these character studies I wrote for myself that have no impact on the story at all, I could add those.” *adds them* “I also have these essays I REALLY love, readers want to hear an in-depth description of the Paris sewer system right?” *ADDS THEM* “Ooo ooo I like history a lot, one of my side characters fought in Waterloo once, I can give a 30 page retelling of that! You know, while I’m at it I can also include a rundown of the last 100 years of history so my readers get the FULL picture of my novel. They’ll need that.” *He. Adds. Them.*
Like dude! I signed up for a FICTION novel, I don’t care what you have to say about why exactly you’ve decided to incorporate 1830s prisoner slang into your story, sorry, I don’t care.
Again, the plot was impeccable, but Victor really could have benefited from an editor. Seriously.
Still, if you’re looking for a long old-timey book and have already read War and Peace, I’ll recommend this one
Aaargh! I always read a book through to the end, even if it's just skimming, but I couldn't do it with this book. I read the first book and I thought it was a good character study but so long-winded and boring. I've read books of this length but this one is a step too far for me. I have stopped reading for a month because I didn't want to pick it up at all. So to ensure my love of reading remains, I've said goodbye to the miserable Victor Hugo!
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
This book had everything. The parts that I loved, I really loved and the parts that I didn't love really dragged on. I loved Hugo's description of the brutality of war. I loved the relationship between Jean Valjean and Cosette. I loved the themes of redemption and duty. I'd love to read and dissect this book with a book club or a philosophy of lit class.
this book is so amazing from start to finish. an epic tale.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
One of my favorite (I cried SO FUCKING MUCH vicky do pay for my therapy)
A VERY long book, but I love it's message of redemption, second chances, changing your life and "paying it forward",
how one person's treatment of another human being can shape that person - for good or bad.
how one person's treatment of another human being can shape that person - for good or bad.