Reviews

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

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.

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.

tjwallace04's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookbadass6969's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

digililly's review against another edition

dark informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

amb3333's review against another edition

5.0

I am so happy that I finally read this beautiful and life changing story! Jean Valjean will remain always in my heart.

diabolicalcorgi's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

sumeyrad's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

bujobyfilo's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 If you're interested in the human condition, here is your hell and here is your paradise.
You'll never meet anyone better, or anyone worse.
And you'll probably meet yourself in those pages, who you are and who you could become.

Big book, biggest characters, huge message. Biblical.

The plot is breathtaking, and the social observations are really interesting. They go hand in hand.
I'm so glad I read the full version, even if it gets tedious sometimes, it has to be read.

Now, after 1632 pages read, I don't close that book to just put it on my shelves: I need to read about Hugo, the impact this book had, and process so many notes. 

torsgilks's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0