Victor Hugo has written a timeless
classic in Les Miserable. This novel is loved by the generations. This story has been transformed into musicals
and movies. This beloved tale is
considered by many to be the best work of the nineteenth century. It was completely published by May 15, 1862. The book was
immediately translated into numerous other languages, including English. Les
Miserable was an immediate hit with all nations. During America’s
own Civil War, the Confederate soldiers were particularly attached to the book,
coining themselves “Lee’s Miserables.” Even to this present day and age, fifty
years after the publishing of this narrative, the faithful still believe this
to be the greatest novel of all time.
Les Miserable is a story of wrongs and
forgiveness; death and life; hate and love; enemies and friends; poor and rich. In short, Hugo has captured the essence of
life onto the page. He has eloquently
and successfully expressed the ups and downs, the hurt and the healing of
life. This heart-wrenching tale is not a
collection of cold, empty words on a page.
This writing will force the most unfeeling heart to love and hate the
characters, to sink in despair or leap out of joy in response to the
circumstances, to cry and to laugh, and to sit on the edge of one’s seat. The reader will soon find it quite impossible
and unthinkable to put the book down until absolutely necessary. The reader does not think with bitterness of
the fact that the book contains more than a thousand pages. In fact, upon the conclusion of the story,
the reader might reflect with sadness upon the fact that it is only a thousand
pages. This story will enrich the reader’s life.
This
classic is astounding, however, every book, even the best, have their own
flaws. Every author also has flaws. This book’s one and only flaw is the long
lectures in between sections of the story line.
These lectures, while interesting and connect to the story, are not
necessary. They could be much condensed.
For some, these lectures are enjoyable to read. They are educational and can teach one much
about France
and the world. For the readers who are
merely looking for an enjoyable read and an exceptional story, these lectures
are tiresome and detract from the quality of the story. These lectures can be skipped or read
depending on the preference of the reader.
One
of the many reasons that Hugo’s writing is so amazing is his character
development. He takes time to develop
his characters. He lets the reader
actually see the character. He describes
every aspect of the person. He
illustrates facial features, facial expressions, body build, personality, their
past and present, and so much more. He
makes the reader feel as though they were old friends with the character. Hugo gives expression and feeling to
everything he does. He leaves the reader
wanting more. As the reader closes the
book on the last page, he feels as though he were leaving behind old friends
and saying goodbye to family.
An
individual can not call himself an avid reader without reading this
masterpiece. This story, while
possessing its flaws, contains the deepest mysteries and feelings of life. It makes the characters come alive. This story is loved by the world in every
era. Victor Hugo surely has completed an
amazing feat in Les Miserable. This story is a must-read for everyone,
teens, adults, elderly, scholars, laborers, rich and poor.
~Michaela
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