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A review by penguinna
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
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
5.0
"And whatever he did, he always fell back onto this paradox at the core of his thought. To remain in paradise and become a demon. To re-enter hell and become an angel."
Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo, is a timeless classic that explores various social discourses that are still relevant today and will be relevant in the future. The book's plot revolves around the lives and struggles of its memorable characters, who are really complex and well written. By showing them from different perspectives, Hugo provides a deep understanding of their motivations and makes them relatable to the reader.
The character-oriented chapters were incredibly interesting for me, I could not put the book away, wondering what was going to happen next. I was so worried about the characters, as if I was there, right beside them, wanting to help, but not being able to. However, the plot-oriented chapters, such as the ones telling the reader about the French political system or the sewers in Paris, were rather tedious for me.
Despite my initial frustration with the really long and detailed narrations, I later started to appreciate the informative nature of the text. Every single detail was, after all, part of a larger picture that would not otherwise be complete. In the end of the book, I had no question unanswered.
The book touches on several immortal social discourses, such as the meaning of happiness, duty and love, the differences between generations, the power of choice, the influence of faith, good versus evil, the nature of inequality and justice, and the effects of war and peace.
The reader has an opportunity to walk in the shoes of Jean Valjean, Cosette, Marius, Fantine, Javert, Gavroche, Bishop Myriel, Thenardier, and many others to form an opinion and change it multiple times in the course of the story. After one month with the book, I am sad to say goodbye to all of them. I cried at the end, realizing that it was all over. It feels like all these people are now part of my life.
All in all, Les Misérables is a pure, exceptional masterpiece that cannot leave anyone emotionless. It is a must-read for anyone who loves classic literature and is interested in exploring the complexities of the human nature.
inst: penguinna_books
Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo, is a timeless classic that explores various social discourses that are still relevant today and will be relevant in the future. The book's plot revolves around the lives and struggles of its memorable characters, who are really complex and well written. By showing them from different perspectives, Hugo provides a deep understanding of their motivations and makes them relatable to the reader.
The character-oriented chapters were incredibly interesting for me, I could not put the book away, wondering what was going to happen next. I was so worried about the characters, as if I was there, right beside them, wanting to help, but not being able to. However, the plot-oriented chapters, such as the ones telling the reader about the French political system or the sewers in Paris, were rather tedious for me.
Despite my initial frustration with the really long and detailed narrations, I later started to appreciate the informative nature of the text. Every single detail was, after all, part of a larger picture that would not otherwise be complete. In the end of the book, I had no question unanswered.
The book touches on several immortal social discourses, such as the meaning of happiness, duty and love, the differences between generations, the power of choice, the influence of faith, good versus evil, the nature of inequality and justice, and the effects of war and peace.
The reader has an opportunity to walk in the shoes of Jean Valjean, Cosette, Marius, Fantine, Javert, Gavroche, Bishop Myriel, Thenardier, and many others to form an opinion and change it multiple times in the course of the story. After one month with the book, I am sad to say goodbye to all of them. I cried at the end, realizing that it was all over. It feels like all these people are now part of my life.
All in all, Les Misérables is a pure, exceptional masterpiece that cannot leave anyone emotionless. It is a must-read for anyone who loves classic literature and is interested in exploring the complexities of the human nature.
inst: penguinna_books