A review by daisyvb
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

adventurous challenging dark informative medium-paced

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

4.0

A classic is often a classic for a reason, you usually just have to commit and grit to get through it in the first place to be able to confirm it. This book is a rollercoaster of being very intrigued, even amused - especially by the sheer number of coincidences and chances and moments of luck ("Ursula's" hanky will always be so good) - and then hoping that a certain section will end please god I am suffering just as sufficiently as any of the characters (the torturous section on the convent's rules and rituals comes to mind, though it is thankfully accompanied by a fun sequence about grave robbing/escaping). It is also fun to compare it to the musical and realise just how much fudging took place. Overall it's a sprawling narrative with compelling characters and interesting arcs and it is no wonder the story has retained it's place in culture for so many years.