Les Miserables (Word Cloud Classics) Flexibound – January 15, 2013

What can I say? There is no way I can produce an adequate review when I have read just over 100 pages of the nearly 1250 pages of my Canterbury Classics edition, as translated by Isabel F. Hapgood and first published in 1887, some 25 years after its original French edition. I could cite Mr. Hugo’s own preface, composed as one rather long sentence; so I will:“So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilization, artificially creates hells on earth, and complicates a destiny that is divine with human fatality; so long as the three problems of the age—the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of women by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night—are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, and from a yet more extended point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.”Or perhaps I might also quote from the introduction by Ken Mondschein, PhD, who states that Les Miserables, “ . . . is a novel about a failed revolution, written after a failed revolution.” But to see the book only in the context of the political world surrounding the life of a man who lived through it, we are going to miss the meaning by a wide margin. We are conditioned to think that way, of course. Our news, via newspaper, TV, or internet, may give the impression that the clash of nations is all we need to know. Sound bites by national leaders and their enemies define the limited picture we may have. Suppose I hear of the political conflicts between our own nation and our greatest adversary. I plan a trip to that adversary nation (China? Russia?). But when I arrive in the capital city, and go out into the city streets, and stop to eat a meal in a local restaurant, I find myself surrounded by many ordinary, everyday citizens. Using my limited ability to converse in a foreign language, I am enjoying a friendly conversation with local people, for instance a married couple with their young child. Do I discover an entirely different atmosphere in that setting that flies in the face of the impression I took away from the TV news back home? That has been my experience many times. Certainly, international and national political events deserve our attention. But what impact do they make upon individuals? So we read Les Mise’rables. What does “mise’rables” mean? Simply put, they are the rejects of society, the poorest of the poor, who try to survive in some way on the fringes of every city and town in the world. How does the central character, Jean Valjean, fit into that scene? How does he deal with the punishment meted out to him for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family? Who are the others who in various ways relate to him? Can we learn something about the human search for meaning and freedom? What do we learn from a desperate man? Can Jean Valjean know redemption for his crimes? Why do we find him totally surprised by the way he is treated by a kindly and eccentric bishop, which is totally different from the way the rest of the world has treated him up to that point? Do we see parallels of our times with those of 19th century France?Upton Sinclair considered this work as "one of the half-dozen greatest novels of the world". He is not alone in that opinion. I have just begun to learn why as I probe my way into the book. One cannot make an adequate review out of reading some eight percent of it. Still, I believe one reason this book is considered great by so many, is that we can see the sufferings of those people in 19th Century France, and realize they are quite like the people of our own time.

I am a sentimental soul. And I have never cried more buckets of tears for any book or any film until Les Miserables. My two favourite Russian authors Tolstoy and Dostoevsky gave it the highest praise possible. Tolstoy called it the greatest novel ever. Dostoevsky hailed Victor Hugo as the greatest author of the 19th century. Perhaps because all three great authors of the 19th century had the common trait of God loving/fearing and the theme of love and redemption prominently coursed through their great works of literature. Victor Hugo did it most successfully with his web of characters and the incredibly uplifting story line. Uplifting only after taking us to the depths of despair, despondency and wretchedness before providence came to the rescue. A wonderful reminder for all readers too that our lives are in the hands of God and it is providence that steer our lives, with hardship and also with triumphs. At which ever state in our lives we are in, we need to embrace life bravely during hardships and yet still be generous to others like the 10 year old Gavroche. A little street urchin with a heart of gold. Sharing and helping others who had less he did himself which was next to nothing. It was incredibly moving that after a chance meeting, Gavroche shared his shabby, crude shelter in a giant elephant statue, monument to Napoleon, with two younger homeless kid younger than himself. Unbeknown to Gavroche, the two young toddlers were actually his long lost brothers he had never met because their cruel parents gave away the two younger ones at an early stage. Providence bringing the three siblings together because of a twist of fate cannot be more heartwarming to read and weep a little of the beauty of humanity. A beautiful and kinder our society we can certainly have if there were more angelic souls like Gavroche, Bishop of Digne, and Valjean with their self sacrificial heart of gold and were so willing to bring a slice of heaven to all who led wretched lives crossing their paths. Indeed this epic tale of goodness must inspire readers greatly to no ends if readers would embrace the story and gaining a new perspective on life, a selfless aspect of service unto others that must take priority over our own selfish needs, bringing ultimately sublimity into our earthly existence. One of contentment, importance of generosity and capacity to smile in the midst of adversity. When we create paradise on earth for others, we create a paradise for ourselves too.There are indeed many wretched characters in the book. By the end, I was ranking all to pick the most wretched one of them all. Not F, not E, and not V. But M because to his dying day, he must bear a heavy heart for injuring his greatest guardian angel who gave him ironically also his greatest joy in life.The Saul to Paul turned-around drama on the road to Damascus was reenacted a few times in this epic novel. The theme behind the book of Job was also featured prominently. Absolutely inspiring for all because no one is without wretchedness and despair in common path called life. Knowing that providence is in control and will rescue us if we are deserving is most comforting. Our chief purpose in life is to make life on earth a paradise for others.

"I just bought 'Les Misérables,' and let me tell you, it's like purchasing a workout plan for your brain. The book is so thick, I half-expect it to come with its own gym membership. Lifting it feels like a mini exercise session, and I’m expecting to see some serious muscle tone by the time I finish.Once you dive in, it's a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment you're sobbing over poor Fantine, and the next, you're celebrating with Jean Valjean like you've just won the lottery. I’ve never had a book make me cry, laugh, and question my life choices all in the span of a few pages. It’s basically a full-body workout for the soul.As a bonus, my bookshelf now looks like it’s hosting a literary heavyweight championship. If you’re looking for a novel that’ll test your reading endurance and make you question humanity, this is your pick. Five stars for keeping me on the edge of my seat, and for giving my arms a workout!"

This book is my 15 yr old grandsons favorite gift. It's beautifully designed & now a gift he'll treasure from me long after I'm gone!

When I received my package I knew right away something was gonna be damaged but luckily it wasn’t too bad other than some of the books having dirt and glue? on them and some scuffs here and there.

This book is at beautiful as It shows. The binding is solid. The gold on the page edges feels very sophisticated. This book will be a beautiful addition to any library. The price was reasonable.

I like everything about the books from this printer/ publisher. I own 7 now and hope to purchase more. They are such a pretty addition to my library. The print is comfortable to read and the gold edges and ribbon only add to the loveliness of the books.