Les Miserables

Rating:
Summary: There are not enough stars to rate this book
Review: Aside from the Bible, this is the best book ever written. Victor Hugo has given us the best novel in the history of literature via Les Miserables. I try to read this book at least once a year, and I never get tired of it. Hugo demonstrates the meaning of true grace all throughout the pages of this novel. Moreover, the book is a wonderful account of French 19th century European history (esp. the French judicial and political systems). Hugo has a very descriptive writing style that exceeds most all of the other authors of his day. While this unabridged edition looks like a tremendous amount of reading (1463 pages), you will never realize there are this many pages once you begin to get caught up in the storyline. Hugo, with wonderful style and extravagance builds several storylines that culminate into one overall story. Hugo touches the readers intellect as well as emotions as he describes the depravity of man and the guilt that is often suppressed inside each one of us. Moreover, Hugo paints a wonderful picture of grace through several of his characters (i.e. Javert) that would never be expected to show such grace. Also, Hugo digs deep into the human mind to reveal what lies hidden in the thoughts of many of his characters which adds to the romance, struggles, pains, and emotions of the characters he is developing in the story. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Rating:
Summary: The Only Positive Experience I Had during School This Year!
Review: My experience with Victor Hugo's classic, Les Misérables, was quite by accident. While studying France's political turmoil during the 1800's, my tenth grade world history professor decided to waste some class time by showing us a video. At first, I paid no attention to the video, considering the fact that most of the movies he showed us were taped off of the history channel a good century ago. Soon I found myself intrigued with the plot twists and characters. After we finished the movie, I decided to read the book for English. Thinking that if the book was too boring, I had already seen the movie so I could fake my way through the essay test. I have never loved a book so much in my life! I found myself reading it during films in Spanish, under my desk in history, and losing sleep because I was staying up all night to read. I finished the complete unabridged novel in five days, a very enormous feat for a busy teenager! I found Javert to be the most interesting character and felt that if his dedication to justice hadn't been misguided, he could have been a hero in the story. He could have been Enjolras. I wish every high school student was required to read this book, although I know it would not bring them as much joy as it brought me. The only reason I love this story so much, is because it wasn't force-feed to me. I now have tickets to see the musical this summer in Toronto and can hardly wait to go. Everyone can find a character they identify with. Many young girls can relate to Eponine's love for Marius that is not returned, while others may relate to Enjolras' continued struggle for his beliefs. There are many lessons Hugo has included in this book: redemption, forgiveness, justice, honor, love, war, poverty, bravery, and the division among social classes. Even though this book was written in a different time, in a different place, its controversy and story will always live on because its themes are timeless.

Rating:
Summary: The human race
Review: This is a fabulous book. It's a tale about the human race that applies to all people, places, and time-periods that really touches your heart and makes you think. It's an incredible peice of literature. Read it!

Rating:
Summary: Cosette on Cassette.......Magnifique!
Review: This review refers to Audio Cassette edition of "Les Miserables", presented by Focus on the Family/Radio Theatre(Tyndale Entertainment)and Philip Glassborow....

A brillant cast led by Brian Blessed as Jean Valjean and the wonderful music composed and directed by Jared DiPasqual bring Victor Hugo's powerful tale of the human spirit to life in this stirring radio performance of "Les Miserables".

Enter the soul of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict,who suffers and sacrifces on his journey to redemption. Experience his love and devotion for his adopted daughter Cosette, who he protects at all costs. The French Revolution, the years of being stalked by Javert,the lawman obsessed with capturing him,and the intense young love of Cosette and Marius are all brought to life in this outstanding performance and will stir your imagination to it's fullest.

Brian Blessed gives a powerful performance. You will know him from his work in several of Kenneth Branagh's Shakespearean productions. He was The Ghost in "Hamlet", Seigneur Antonio in "Much Ado About Nothing" and also portrayed Lord Locksley in the Costner version of "Robin Hood". Geoffrey Palmer("The Madness of King George"/"As Time Goes By") turns in a superb performance of Javert.Also included in this marvelous cast is Tony Robinson,Leo McKern and Gina Beck as Cosette.

The tapes are beautifully packaged and the quality is top notch. The Dolby B Mastered sound is incredible. Every voice, every sound,from the rain, to the horses, to the sounds of the revolution, and the music will sweep you away to another time and place.There are 3 tapes(6 sides), each in their own case, running about 25 minutes per side.The beginning and end of each side nicely open or close a scene. The box cover opens up to 3 pages of information about the story and includes the entire cast and crew.

Follow the long road to forgiveness with Jean Valjean in this beautiful radio production performance of Victor Hugo's timeless tale.

Enjoy.....Laurie