Victor Hugo shows his mastery of writing in this timeless classic set in 19th century France. Its a story of a man whos life is changed in one amazing act of mercy. Its a story that has inspired musicals, soundtracks, movies, countless songs, and has been a number one hit on Broadway along with dozens of theaters across the country. Its a story that everyone should read because it will change the readers view on life by putting them into a story of repentance and sacrifice.
In Les Miserables, Victor Hugo displays the story of the convict Jean Valjean who is released on parole after 19 years on a chain gang for stealing a loaf of bread. Jean Valjean was taken in by a bishop who gave him food and a place to sleep. Valjean repaid the bishop by stealing the his silver. On his way out of the town he was caught and brought back to the bishop who instead of turning him in gave him two silver candlesticks. Shocked by this mercy, Valjean decides to start a new life as a man named Madeleine.
On his own Jean Valjean brought a city out of poverty by building two factories giving hundreds of people jobs and eventually becoming the mayor- only because he was pressured by the people of the town. But when a policeman named Javert tells him that the convict Jean Valjean has been caught the monsieur Madeleine must decide to let this innocent man go to jail or reveal himself as the true Jean Valjean.
Nine years later his cherished adopted daughter, Cosette, falls in love with a law student, named Marius Pontmecy. Marius, who believes him and cosette will never be together, joins a group of students fighting for the republic of France. Javert, who has dedicated his life to finding Jean Valjean continually, shows up in the book. Jean Valjean in the end has to sacrifice everything he loves to stay honest and keep the people he cares for safe.
The book is really long but you wont regret reading it. Its long only because there is no way that a story as monumental as this one could be fit into a short story. Only a book as good as this one could inspire the musical that has been famous for so long. You can watch the movie but the only way you will ever be able to experience the wonder of Jean Valjeans matchless life is if one day you sit down and read Les Miserables.
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