Les Miserables

Works Of Hugo

Victor Hugo

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Austen Allred's top five all-time recommended books.

Book Synopsis

In "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo, the lives of multiple characters intertwine against the backdrop of early 19th-century France. The story delves into themes of love, redemption, and the human struggle for justice.

Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, is haunted by his past and seeks redemption. As he transforms his life, he becomes a respected mayor and factory owner, but his past catches up with him when he meets Inspector Javert, who is determined to bring him back to prison.

Fantine, a single mother, falls into poverty and desperation to support her daughter, Cosette. She sacrifices everything for her child, including her own health and well-being. Valjean becomes her last hope for protecting Cosette.

Cosette, forced to work as a servant, escapes her abusive upbringing when Valjean rescues her from the clutches of the Thénardiers, a deceitful couple running a scheming inn. Valjean becomes her surrogate father and devotes himself to providing a better life for her.

As the rebellion of 1832 erupts in Paris, Marius, a young revolutionary, unknowingly falls in love with Cosette. His devotion to the cause is tested when he discovers that Cosette is his priority over the revolution. Their love story and its complex twists and turns become a central focus of the narrative.

Through strongly developed supporting characters, such as Eponine, the Thénardiers, and the Bishop of Digne, Hugo masterfully portrays the struggles of the poor and the injustices of society. He explores themes of inequality, social unrest, and the power of compassion.

"Les Misérables" is an epic tale that spans several decades, providing a comprehensive exploration of the human condition. Hugo's intricate storytelling, vibrant descriptions, and deep insights into human emotions captivate readers and leave a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.

Explore More Books

See All
The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion
Tree Crops
Obvious Adams
The Cancer Code
In Other Words
A Writer's Time
Hacks
Hansel and Gretel
Sailing Alone Around The World
The Fourth Part of the World
Seeing Like a State
The Lifecycle of Software Objects
King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
Slow Sex
The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read
America's War for the Greater Middle East
The Price of Peace
Conquest, Tribute & Trade
How To Talk to Anyone
The Machine Stops
Sustainable Materials With Both Eyes Open
The Extension of Man
Leadership
East of Eden
In Defense of Food
Virtual Economies
Why Nations Fail
Bowling Alone
Goethe’s Poems and Aphorisms
How To Be a No Limit Person
Cashing in on the American Dream
The Rosie Project
Extreme Ownership
Eco-Farm
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
The Fabric of Reality
War
Bargaining for Advantage
Fallout
Silently Seduced
Wing Leader
A Woman Makes a Plan
Metamagical Themas
More Than Enough
The Blue Sweater
The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life
Infinite Powers
The Remains Of The Day
Just Kids
There Must Be A Pony In Here Somewhere
The New One Minute Manager
Stuff Matters
The Plus, Self-Help for People Who Hate Self-Help
Lolita
Start With Why
Dreamstate
This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends
What School Could Be
Creativity and the Brain
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
Wild
Mindware
Mean Genes
The Fabric of Civilization
The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King
Mindfulness
Zucked
Vasistha's Yoga
The Art of War
The Sandman
Pre-Suasion
Mindstorms
Being Wrong
The Most Important Thing Illuminated
McMafia
Self Belief
Rational Ritual
Origin Story
Ladies and Gentlemen - Lenny Bruce!!
The Bully Pulpit
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
The Unincorporated Man
Use of Weapons
The Art of People
Your Keys Our Home
How To Win Friends and Influence People
Forward the Foundation
Unsavory Truth
The Spider Network
The Truth Machine
Defender In Chief
The Ordeal of Civility
The Autobiography of Gucci Mane
Never Eat Alone
The Warren Buffett Portfolio
Absolute Tao
Modern Aramaic (Assyrinan/Syriac) Dictionary
The Four Agreements
White Working Class
The Seat of the Soul