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smateer73's review against another edition
5.0
This book was really good, Hugo is a master at weaving so many stories together into one narrative. There are definitely points that drag (every street corner in Paris does not need to be explained) but it eventually picks up. It brings to light so many questions about humanity and goodness and the law and religion and so many others.
illyanadallas222's review against another edition
5.0
It took me over 2 months to get through this brick XD
Not because it was 'hard' to read or too 'complicated', but really Volume 1, Fantine's story alongside the neglected Children of France just broke my heart. It was so hard to read and it upset me greatly. Slowly but surely though, the and more I enjoyed Jean Valjean and Cosette. The book was sweetened by the romance between Cosette and Mauris. Which I obviously enjoyed.
But all in all, throughout this read, there was never one moment did the gravitas of the historical context of Paris pre-revolution and how crippled society became, was ever forgone. I don't really know what more to add that brings further acclaim to the novel. Hugo brings this entire monumental novel together beautifully. If Modernism is defined by ironic detachment, this is the ultimate pre-modern work. It's earnest, political, impassioned, comprehensive, and moralistic in the very best sense.
Hugo clearly has a clear thesis to make about human goodness, and it's effort has been rightly canonised in french literature and beyond. This is an epic and almost legendary work, and it stands as one of the best novels ever. And that is fact, not an objective opinion... ;)
Not because it was 'hard' to read or too 'complicated', but really Volume 1, Fantine's story alongside the neglected Children of France just broke my heart. It was so hard to read and it upset me greatly. Slowly but surely though, the and more I enjoyed Jean Valjean and Cosette. The book was sweetened by the romance between Cosette and Mauris. Which I obviously enjoyed.
But all in all, throughout this read, there was never one moment did the gravitas of the historical context of Paris pre-revolution and how crippled society became, was ever forgone. I don't really know what more to add that brings further acclaim to the novel. Hugo brings this entire monumental novel together beautifully. If Modernism is defined by ironic detachment, this is the ultimate pre-modern work. It's earnest, political, impassioned, comprehensive, and moralistic in the very best sense.
Hugo clearly has a clear thesis to make about human goodness, and it's effort has been rightly canonised in french literature and beyond. This is an epic and almost legendary work, and it stands as one of the best novels ever. And that is fact, not an objective opinion... ;)
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 😭🫡