Les Miserables

Rating:
Summary: A True Classic, Updated & Readable
Review: I was a LES MISERABLES rookie, having not seen the musical nor read the book. It was always something that interested me, but for various reasons I never took the plunge with Hugo's classic. Then I saw this new version of the story. Jim Reimann, who previously wrote updated (modern English) versions of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST and STREAMS IN THE DESERT, went through LES MIS and streamlined the story. He did it because he recognized that the book is a tad daunting in size for many of today's readers, so he removed a lot of the extras that Hugo wrote in and streamlined the book down to the basic story -- being careful to retain the essence and spirit of Hugo's words and meaning. His results are solid.

LES MISERABLES is one of the greatest stories of the triumph of grace over justice without mercy ever written. Grace can be hard to give, for it goes against our human nature, but Hugo shows, in the story of the life of Jean Valjean, how an act of grace bestowed upon one who does not deserve it can truly transform. When Valjean is saved from the police by the priest whom he robbed it is an epic moment that causes him to succumb to the power of God. He gives up his life of crime and does his best to live in a way that honors the gift that the priest gave him. What follows is an epic story that even more clearly illustrates the power of grace and love, set against a historic backdrop of revolutionary France. Coincidences are many, but the power of the story does not suffer. I know, for one thing, that I will never look at a pair of candlesticks the same way again.

This version of LES MISERABLES is an easy read. The translation is a simple one, and therefore a quick read for a serious reader. In that respect, Reimann succeeded at his quest of making LES MIS accessible to a whole new generation who otherwise might miss out on this classic. Since I never would've read the longer translation, this adaptation was a real blessing. FOUR & 1/2 STARS.

Rating:
Summary: Nicole Wood -- did you even read the book?
Review: Les Miserables is a masterpiece. That goes without saying.

But I must pause to disagree with Nicole Wood's 'description' of the story. Have you, Ms. Wood, ever even read the novel? Perhaps you read a 25 page children's tale resembling the story. Or possibly, you merely watched the movie.

I have recently read the entire, unabridged version of Les Miserables, and though I must admit it was a translated version, I have read the book by two different translators and therefore have been able to discern the differences between the two translations. I have also seen the popular movie, with Liam Neeson starring as the infamous Jean Valjean, and Uma Thurman depicting the doomed Fantine.

The events you describe in your review of the book, Ms. Wood, are inaccurate. They simply did not occur. They did, however, occur in the movie. Did you, then, merely watch the movie, and review the movie as one who would review a book? Or are you slightly confused as to the events that occurred in the movie, and those that occurred in the book?

Dear reader, I advise you to read the book for yourself, in its full, unabridged form, and untranslated if at all possible. I won't disclose what happens -- that is a part of the joy of reading, to not know what will happen next! But I will say that Victor Hugo is a master storyteller, and this is one of his books that proves it. I can not blame the movie for taking liberties -- how can a two hour movie describe the events and feelings that occur within a 1200 page book? But, I do ask, that if you have not actually read the book, please do not contrive to know and understand Hugo's storyline and the sparkling personalities that he has given to the characters in the book.

Only by actually reading the book, will you know and appreciate the true story of Les Miserables. I tell you now, that it is not the movie, just as it is not the book described in Ms. Wood's description. Read it for yourself, and find out exactly what it really is. It's worth it.

Rating:
Summary: the adaptation's okay--but the original's the best
Review: This is an *adaptation* of the original Les Miserables by Victor Hugo that has been streamlined and simplified. It is arguably "dumbed-down." At any rate, it's not the real thing, so if you are looking for Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, move on. As for Les Miserables, it's an incredible book. So, for folks who wouldn't otherwise pick up as thick a tome as the original Victor Hugo classic, or any of its more judicial abridgements, this adaptation serves its purpose--to tell Hugo's timeless story of Jean Valjean, who spends ninteen years in prison after stealing a loaf of bread and who spends the rest of his life trying to become a better man. However, for readers with a little fortitude, the real thing is recommended. Why? Because there's just too much in the story to condense into this 287-page volume. While some long, irrelevant tangents (such as the description of Waterloo) will turn off some readers, and are excluded or downsized in abridgements that hover at around 600 pages, there is too much that is missed in editor Jim Reimann's albiet it mostly faithful version. Little things. Things that add detail and depth and impact to the canvas on which the story unfolds. For example, Fantine, the poor woman-turned prostitute in desperation whose daughter Valjean adopts, keeps her disreputable profession, but Hugo's stark and moving summation of her burial in a paupers' cemetary--"Her grave was like her bed--public."--is not included. This is probably in the cause of keeping the story focused on the movements of Valjean, but not to get to know the other characters is a loss. Another caveat, this adaptation is a "Christian" book, designed to be marketed to a religious audience. While the original also contains much of God, there is less of a specifically religious agenda behind it. Particularly a Protestant point-of-view. For example, a woman who emerges from a "cathedral" in the original Hugo exits from a "church" in Reimann's version. Does it affect the story? No. Readers are just being coddled by being given only terms which they themselves use and identify with. Ironically, Les Miserables doesn't need to be marketed to a specific group: people the world over--from the Western world to Communist China where Les Miserables is immensely popular--find it resonates in their own lives. Though it is a daunting book because of its length, there are accessible translations (look for the Penguin Classics edition, translated by Norman Denny, for more "modern" language), Reimann's adaptation is only one of a range of options. If it brings people who wouldn't otherwise experience the story, it's doing a good thing, but it's still a shadow of the real thing. Be aware that an adaptation is significantly different from a translation in that more material is cut than from a simple abridgement and editorialization or molding of a story to fit an interpreation can occur. So, if you've already tried and just can't do it, this edition does contain the basics of the story, but for the actual factual Les Miserables, take on the complete original, or failing that, a longer abridgement (not adaptation).
Two and a half stars for this adaptation.
Five stars for Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

Rating:
Summary: the adaptation's okay--but the original's the best
Review: This is an *adaptation* of the original Les Miserables by Victor Hugo that has been streamlined and simplified. It is arguably "dumbed-down." At any rate, it's not the real thing, so if you are looking for Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, move on. As for Les Miserables, it's an incredible book. So, for folks who wouldn't otherwise pick up as thick a tome as the original Victor Hugo classic, or any of its more judicial abridgements, this adaptation serves its purpose--to tell Hugo's timeless story of Jean Valjean, who spends ninteen years in prison after stealing a loaf of bread and who spends the rest of his life trying to become a better man. However, for readers with a little fortitude, the real thing is recommended. Why? Because there's just too much in the story to condense into this 287-page volume. While some long, irrelevant tangents (such as the description of Waterloo) will turn off some readers, and are excluded or downsized in abridgements that hover at around 600 pages, there is too much that is missed in editor Jim Reimann's albiet it mostly faithful version. Little things. Things that add detail and depth and impact to the canvas on which the story unfolds. For example, Fantine, the poor woman-turned prostitute in desperation whose daughter Valjean adopts, keeps her disreputable profession, but Hugo's stark and moving summation of her burial in a paupers' cemetary--"Her grave was like her bed--public."--is not included. This is probably in the cause of keeping the story focused on the movements of Valjean, but not to get to know the other characters is a loss. Another caveat, this adaptation is a "Christian" book, designed to be marketed to a religious audience. While the original also contains much of God, there is less of a specifically religious agenda behind it. Particularly a Protestant point-of-view. For example, a woman who emerges from a "cathedral" in the original Hugo exits from a "church" in Reimann's version. Does it affect the story? No. Readers are just being coddled by being given only terms which they themselves use and identify with. Ironically, Les Miserables doesn't need to be marketed to a specific group: people the world over--from the Western world to Communist China where Les Miserables is immensely popular--find it resonates in their own lives. Though it is a daunting book because of its length, there are accessible translations (look for the Penguin Classics edition, translated by Norman Denny, for more "modern" language), Reimann's adaptation is only one of a range of options. If it brings people who wouldn't otherwise experience the story, it's doing a good thing, but it's still a shadow of the real thing. Be aware that an adaptation is significantly different from a translation in that more material is cut than from a simple abridgement and editorialization or molding of a story to fit an interpreation can occur. So, if you've already tried and just can't do it, this edition does contain the basics of the story, but for the actual factual Les Miserables, take on the complete original, or failing that, a longer abridgement (not adaptation).
Two and a half stars for this adaptation.
Five stars for Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

Rating:
Summary: Great Version
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read. It bogs down a bit with the war/battles stuff.... but stick with it thru that... you will be rewarded.... and will reread. So rich!

Rating:
Summary: Les WONDERFUL
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read. It bogs down a bit with the war/battles stuff.... but stick with it thru that... you will be rewarded.... and will reread. So rich!

Rating:
Summary: Great Version
Review: This updated version of my favorite book is wonderful. The original message of the book remains intact. If you haven't read "Les Miserables" in a long time, or if you've never read it, pick up this book. Not only is it a great story, but the book itself is beautifully designed.

I highly recommend this version, even for diehard "Les Mis' fans like myself.

Rating:
Summary: the adaptation's okay--but the original's the best
Review: Victor Hugo authors a controversial and exciting novel based on the journeys of the escaped convict, Jean Valjean. While freeing himself from imprisonment, Valjean creates a new life for himself as the mayor of a small town in France. During his reign, he befriends a prostitute by the name of Fantine, who is on the brink of death and desperately needs to see her fatherless child, Cosette. Valjean's identity is being questioned. He is torn between maintaining his reputation and dooming an innocent man. Because of his decision Valjean and Cosette are forced to retreat to a convent where Cosette is raised. As she matures, Cosette is intrigued by the outside world and persuades Valjean to move into the city. While in her new environment Cosette falls in love with a revolution leader, Marius. With the threat of abandonment Valjean forbids the relationship from developing. A revolution is brewing in the backround of the story, causing character and plot shifts. As the story develops each character bestows their own twist on the plot. What interested me most in the novel was how each event revealed the struggles and irony of humanity.

Rating:
Summary: A dramatic story centered on the struggles of an ex-convict.
Review: Victor Hugo authors a controversial and exciting novel based on the journeys of the escaped convict, Jean Valjean. While freeing himself from imprisonment, Valjean creates a new life for himself as the mayor of a small town in France. During his reign, he befriends a prostitute by the name of Fantine, who is on the brink of death and desperately needs to see her fatherless child, Cosette. Valjean's identity is being questioned. He is torn between maintaining his reputation and dooming an innocent man. Because of his decision Valjean and Cosette are forced to retreat to a convent where Cosette is raised. As she matures, Cosette is intrigued by the outside world and persuades Valjean to move into the city. While in her new environment Cosette falls in love with a revolution leader, Marius. With the threat of abandonment Valjean forbids the relationship from developing. A revolution is brewing in the backround of the story, causing character and plot shifts. As the story develops each character bestows their own twist on the plot. What interested me most in the novel was how each event revealed the struggles and irony of humanity.

Rating:
Summary: Another Timeless Classic
Review: When I started to read this version of Les Miserables, I didn't even know I was reading an "adapted" version of this book. I knew it had been translated and some things had been cut out, but I didn't know that it was really any different. Regardless, the first thing that comes to my mind when I remember those long, sleepless nights when I couldn't keep my eyes out of this book, is this blue chair that I have in my room. That's kind of weird, but let me explain. Les Miserables literally sent me spinning in my chair! In the delirious hours of 2 am... 3am... 4 in the morning, I began to think of Victor Hugo as some sort of literary God. In Les Miserables I found the most stunning framework for a really authentic classic that I'd ever read before. Other books were good books, even excellent books, amazing books, outstanding books before Les Miserables, but Les Miserables is a book that no common adjective can define.

Les Miserables is about this ex-convict, Jean Valjean (who takes so much abuse it made me cry). He is first incarcerated for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving children: the only family he had left before prison severed his ties with them forever. It is all downhill from there, however, as Jean makes numerous failed attempts to escape and thus lengthens his sentence to an interminable number of years. Once he is finally freed, Jean finds himself to be utterly corrupt and morally broken. He is now a criminal of law and of spirit. The only thing to heal him being the faintest of possibilities: Divine Intervention. Nearly all books being based on some sort of improbability or other unconventional origin, this one is no exception. Providence rests its unwavering hand over Jean Valjean, and although he is continually pursued by the remorseless Officer Javert, he will serve to play a part in the destinies of many: a small country town that grows prosperous thanks to him, and a few lonely individuals: Fantine, Cosette, and Marius.

I won't say more least I give away any part of Valjean's tale that every reader has a right to savor for himself, but I urge you now: read Les Miserables and you can find out for yourself if this is truly a book that will send you spinning in your chair!