Reviews

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Only show reviews with written explanations

constancelee's review against another edition

5.0

I accidentally picked up the abridged version (B&N Classics) - at 896 pages I didn't even question that is was not the unabridged version even though it clearly stated so on the cover. Now I feel like I am missing all the little pieces (yes, I DO want 50 pages of the history of the French sewer system!). I also found out that this version was not one of the better translations. Per a fellow reviewer this edition was translated at the time the book was first released and the translator took only a couple of months with it. I plan to read the other, unabridged, version in the future.

blissb's review against another edition

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5.0

I listened to this novel while training for the Austin marathon. It is long, but that’s what I wanted. It is at times meandering, but it also riveting. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the play/movie and wants to learn more about the story.

reo_'s review against another edition

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5.0

Amazing Read

kittycat2302's review against another edition

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4.0

Oh, this book. I don't think it has ever taken me so long to read one book. And yet, four stars. I was certainly enjoying it, and the core of the story is simply incredible. I've been a fan of the musical for many years, and was glad to finally read the actual book and get so much more backstory on everyone. While I could have done without many of Victor Hugo's tangents (hence the 4 stars instead of 5....), I appreciate the story told so very much. Fantastic.

mchl_btt's review against another edition

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5.0

Il conte di Montecristo più lirico e più credibile. Jean Valjean Captain America, ma senza i capelli biondi, grazie per avermi fatto piangere tutte le mie lacrime. Un solo appunto: stupende le digressioni di Hugo, interessantissime e incredibilmente dettagliate. Ecco forse a me delle fogne di Parigi non interessava molto nel momento di massimo pathos post combattimento sulle barricate.

naomijoyhull's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective sad slow-paced

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

I read/listened to the first half (except Waterloo), then used an abridged guide to skip the extra stuff in the second half. Very good, some great observations and beautiful prose on human nature, good, evil, life and death, but not worth the many many tangents 😂