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Les Misérables

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( 834,290 ratings, 25,029 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Les Misérables, authored by Victor Hugo, is set in 19th-century France and follows the life of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption. The narrative explores themes of justice, love, poverty, and societal reform through a tapestry of interconnected characters, including the relentless Inspector Javert and the destitute Fantine. This epic tale captures the struggle for hope and freedom against the backdrop of revolution and social upheaval.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy epic tales of redemption, justice, and love set against the backdrop of 19th-century France. Its richly woven narrative explores the complex, intertwined lives of its characters, addressing social injustice and the human quest for dignity and liberty. If you are captivated by stories of personal transformation, sacrifice, and resilience, this work offers a compelling and emotional journey.

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Features Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. But his attempts to become a respected member of the community are constantly put under threat: by his own conscience, and by the relentless investigations of the dogged policeman Javert.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A brilliant new translation by Christine Donougher of Victor Hugo's thrilling masterpiece, with an introduction by Robert Tombs.

Les Misérables is Victor Hugo's tale of injustice, heroism, and love. It follows the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. However, his attempts to become a respected member of the community are constantly under threat—by his own conscience and the relentless investigations of the dogged policeman Javert.

It is not simply for himself that Valjean must stay free, however, for he has sworn to protect the baby daughter of Fantine, who was driven to prostitution by poverty.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is praised for its narrative power and seamless translation, making it accessible to modern readers while maintaining its original flavour. The translation creates a fresh impact, reminding readers of Hugo's profound insights into social conditions, akin to but surpassing Dickensian themes.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241248744

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 November 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Christine Donougher
  • Introduction by Robert Tombs
  • Translated by Christine Donougher

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 60.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 926g

Pages: 1456

About the Author

Victor Hugo (Author) Victor Hugo was born in Besan on, France in 1802. In 1822 he published his first collection of poetry and in the same year, he married his childhood friend, Ad le Foucher. In 1831 he published his most famous youthful novel, Notre-Dame de Paris. A royalist and conservative as a young man, Hugo later became a committed social democrat and was exiled from France as a result of his political activities. In 1862, he wrote his longest and greatest novel, Les Miserables. After his death in 1885, his body lay in state under the Arc de Triomphe before being buried in the Pantheon. Robert Tombs (Introducer) Robert Tombs is Emeritus Professor of French History at Cambridge, and a Fellow of St John's College. Most of his writing and teaching has been on French and European history and on Franco-British relations, for which he was awarded the Palmes Academiques by the French government. Since his foray into English history, with the publication of The English and Their History in 2014, he has become a frequent commentator on contemporary issues, and is co-editor of the pro-Brexit academic website Briefings for Britain. Christine Donougher (Translator) Christine Donougher is a freelance translator and editor. She has translated numerous books from French and Italian, and won the 1992 Scott Moncrieff Translation Prize for her translation of Sylvie Germain's The Book of Nights.

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