Les Miserables

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Summary: I love this book!
Review: Les Miserables is, in my mind, the greatest book ever written. I have read several different editions, and none of them comes close to this one in capturing Hugo's style. Victor Hugo's character development is superb; he manages to capture with skill and clarity countless personality and character types; from the streetwise urchin Gavroche to Marius's ancient grandfather M. Gillenormand. Although I love the way Hugo blends the storyline with his political opinions and social background, for me the characters themselves are the highlight of the book, and the most memorable to be found anywhere. (Particularly Gavroche and Eponine, in my opinion.)There seems to be at least one character for everyone to relate to, and no two dimensional personality types either. I have read the book I think about 6 times since I was 13, and it had kept me entranced every time. The 1000 and something pages pass by quickly, and at the end I find myself wanting to immediately begin it again. I have never cried so hard in my life, or been drawn so deeply into the lives of the characters, than I was in this book. For fans of the musical, reading the book provides much enriching background information on both the characters and the political system of the time. Although it is long, Les Mis is an undisputable classic, and nobody's home should be without a copy

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Summary: The greatest story ever told!!
Review: This is without a doubt the greatest story I have ever read! Victor Hugo does a masterful job blending his political views with the deep portrayal of each of the book's many characters. I was amazed at his ability to so perfectly capture his characters, from the 12 year old street urchin Gavroche to Marius's ninety year old grandfather M. Gillenormand. The book kept me completely absorbed for all 1000-some odd pages - I have never cried as hard and so much as while reading Les Miserables. For fans of the musical, reading the book also helps add background to the characters and social situation of the time. It is a long read, but I reccomend it highly for anyone who loves good literature

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Summary: Superb!
Review: Les Miserables- now a theatre spectacular, is a timeless classic book that is superb! It combines the desparation of many enchanting characters- Fantine, Jean Valjean, and Cossette! The title (translated in English) means "the miserable ones" referring to the poor people which are pourtrayed as only Victor Hugo could do. It is a wonderful story and should be read by everyone! I won't even try to summarize the story, for I can not tell it half as good as Hugo himself. Read it, it's a great treat for all ages! It's length is challenging, but the new translation from Signet Classics is easy to comprehend. Although it is based on more of an adult plot-line, I as a 13 year-old loved it- so just think what you adults can do with it!

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Summary: This is the best novel in the history of human civilization.
Review: Les Miserables captures the essential truths of the human soul and spins them into a collection of brillantly executed prose. Victor Hugo's ultimate work of eloquence combines poetry, philosophy, and deep, beautiful imagery in a way which set the standard for all great novels since. This edition captures not only the meaning of this great work, but also the soul stirring language in which Hugo describes the plight of man in conflict with the absolute. It is a piece of literature which belongs in every library, bookshelf, and heart of the world

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Summary: A must read for anyone breathing and literate
Review: Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" is by far the most wonderful novel ever written in any language. Hugo has created characters whom many feel quite passionately about. From selfless, repentant former convict Jean Valjean and committed, unrelenting Inspector Javert to the streetwise Thenardier children and the idealistic student Marius. The story is the most moving I have read incorporating love, loss, hatred, friendship and just about every other human emotion. The best part of the story, in this reviewers opinion, is that of the student uprising in 1832 Paris. Enjolras, the leader of the students, is by far the most inspiring literary hero ever. With his enthusiasm, commitment, and sacrifice he can steal the heart of anyone who has not abandoned idealism. This book is the only one I would reccomend to every person I know

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Summary: Perhaps the best story ever told.
Review: Hugo's masterpiece, written in 1826, still stands today as one of the best stories ever told. The characters are complex, and the imagery is quite vivid. The only drawback for modern readers may be the style of writing. Hugo often attaches upwards of 10 adjectives to a noun, and some paragraphs can run two pages or more. There are also long stretches of the story that seem to have no purpose. Some of these chapters the translater has appended to the end of the book, feeling that they do not help the story in any way. Once the reader accepts the idiosyncracies of Hugo however, the story can be fully enjoyed. A story of many people doing what they feel is right no matter what the costs, Les Miserables touches upon every emotion, from unrequited love, to the agony of giving your life for your sick child, to the horrors of war. This version was translated under the pretense that a writer "writes to be read". This provides us with a well written translation, without the choppy reading of some others out there. If you liked the musical, you only know half the story. Everyone should read this story at some time in their life

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Summary: a poignant story of love, war, and poverty
Review: I have read this book three times, spanning from when I was in 6th grade to when I was in 7th grade, which I am currently in. Words cannot describe how wonderful this book is. I read the unabridged version, and was hooked for all of its 1,000- some pages. Basically, it tells the story of an escaped convict, Jean Valjean, and his long path to find his place in the world. A determined police inspector, Javert, has commited his whole self to tracking down Jean Valjean and getting him back in jail. It also tells of Cosette and Marius' beautiful love story, the conniving Thenardier family, and the chronicles of the 1832 uprise, led by the ABC students and the working-class citizens of France. Victor Hugo weaves all of these stories together into one large, glistening web of classic literature. Read it -- you'll agree with me. Don't miss out on this book that has remained popular around the world for over a century -- buy it from Amazon.com, and enjoy.

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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.

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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!

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Summary: Damaged in Shipping
Review: I ordered this particular book for my wife for her birthday.

When I opened the package, the book was not protected in any way other than the thin cardboard sleeve it was shipped in. It is clear the book and dust-jacket were in perfect condition before shipment but upon recieving the corners were rubbed and dented, as well as scufs from the box that it had been shifting around in. It does not take a great deal of intelligence to know better than to ship anything in this way. I will never again order a book through Amazon and I hope this message is seen by anyone desiring to order this book that they may add specific shipping instructions to their order.