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Summary: Perhaps the best novel ever; but not Denny's translation
Review: There is absolutely no question, I agree with everyone else before me, that Les Miserables is one of the best novels ever written, and you need to read an unabridged translation to completely enjoy it.If you read an abridged edition, you may end up wondering, "What's the point?" The abridgers usually take out all the meat, anything that might appeal. The bare-bones plot is 19th Century melodrama at its best---and to 20th century sensibilities... But I don't recommend reading Les Miserables for the plot. If it's the plot you want, go see the musical, or buy the Complete Symphonic Recording of the musical, and you can get the plot in under three hours, plus the musical has some of the meat.Most people consider Norman Denny's translation (Penguin Classics) to be unabridged. This is NOT THE CASE. Read the introduction and you will see that Denny admits to editing content for length. This is the definition of abridging. I compared Denny's translation to the translation I read first, the Lee Fahnestock (Signet Classics) translation, and some of my favorite parts are missing. MISSING! And Denny also moves a couple chapters to the back of the book as appendixes. Sorry, but I want to read the novel in the order the author intended. Denny's is better than most abridged versions, but it is still an abridged version.When you are done reading either the original CE Wilbour (Modern Library) translation, or the Fahnestock translation, also check out the Smithsonian's Orson Welles radio production. Extremely worthwhile.
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Summary: good book but i do have one question
Review: When I found out that I had to read this book over the summer for my English class next year at first I was a little wary of the book. Not because of its size, but because i was afraid it would simply be long-winded and boring. Well, i must say I was pleasantly surprised! Although not the best book I have ever read and a bit slow in places I really did enjoy this book. I have one question for anyone who has read this book however. Could someone please tell me what is written on the grave at the end of the book? I know a little French but not enough to translate it fully. If anyone could help me with this I would appreciate it greatly. Please email me at Trinity_66600@yahoo.com
Rating: 
Summary: By far the best
Review: I took a leap on this book, being only 15, for reasons that our marching band this year is playing the music from the musical in our field show. Well...the rendition that he chose for us to listen to was the 10th Anniversary Special, which was missing some songs...so I got the soundtrack...so I'm sad to say I heard the musical first and based my opinions in that way...But I was still confused, so I decided that "THE BOOK" was the better option to understand it...i have now FINALLY finished it, and I honestly have to say that out of all the classics (and modern) books I have ever read, it surpasses them to infinity.
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Summary: Reading as Epic Journey
Review: You look at this book cautiouly, circling it warily. 1,260 pags?!! (Do not even consider an abridgement, for that is wicked) To read this massive work, you must be brave and determined. It is not easy or light, and, although it is far and away my favorite book, there were many times when I would lay it aside and blink with that slow, "God give me strength" air. Yet what epic journey worth its scratch is fluffy, over-in-a-day fun? Jean Valjean has hardship, so does the reader. One doesn't so much read as inhabit Les Miserables. I lived with this book for an entire semester, and had been dipping my toes into itt for over a year. When I finally read the last pages, there were tears streaking my face. That is a rare compliment to Hugo. My tears were not only for the sad fate of the convict-saint, but for th completion of such a long journey. I never rea Les Miserables to finish it. Perhaps this is merely an indication of insanity, perhaps an accurate reflection of the mind set necessary to read and enjoy Hugo. Get lost in his page-long sentences and revel in the vrebiosity! Be brave, and don't give up.
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Summary: Do not, under any circumstances, read an abridged version!
Review: This is the greatest novel ever written. From character development to theme to plot, it just doesn't get any better than this. Do not, under any circumstances, or for any reason, read an abridged version of great literature. The only thing intellectually more obscene than reading an abridged version of a great work of literary art is to publish an abridged version. Particularly for this great work, the unabridged version is the only way for a reader to enjoy Hugo's great gift to world literature. Mike Porter
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Summary: I laughed, I cried, I read it again and again
Review: I made the mistake of seeing the musical before I read the book. The musical made me cry, and I loved it, but the book makes me understand the characters so much more. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I kept hoping for the characters whose lives were just so terrible. I felt much more attached to characters such as Fantine, the Bishop of Digne, and Marius. Their hardships were so much more vivid through the book. Do yourself a favor and read it.I bawled all through the last 50 pages. Every time you don't think it can get any worse, it does. I'm proud to say I read every word, even the fifty page description on the battle of Waterloo. Don't let the size intimidate you, all the work is worth it. It puts our lives into perspective, and you'll think before the next time you say your life is aweful. Victor Hugo is by far the best writer I've ever expierienced, with Alexandre Dumas at a close second. If you make it through this book and haven't done so already, read The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
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Summary: 1500 pages never went so fast.
Review: This book is truly one of the great literary masterpieces. After reading this, you'll be well prepared to see one of the greatest Broadway shows in some time.
Rating:
Summary: this book is amazing
Review: the characters in this book are well writte
Rating:
Summary: A Million Stars!
Review: Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, Who didn't give LM five stars?! This is probably the best epic ever of life's darkness and the light of the human spirit. I can't even begin to put my thoughts into words whenever I think about this book. I loved the characters in the shadows even better than the main characters, because Hugo is a master at showing the depths of darkness that he means to penetrate with the brilliance of justice and mercy. Hugo does not allow any subject, no matter how insignificant it seems, pass under his keen eye without a full description, history, and life. The result is the most life-filled dystopia ever to thrill multitudes of readers for generations--and the brightest, most stirring utopianism ever.
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Summary: This is an awesome book, even for a 14-year old
Review: This was a true "classic". Classics are usually the kind of books that after you read it, it makes you think about life. After finishing this book, I thought about how lucky I am to have all the happiness that I have right now. You can understand the meaning of life a little better after reading this, it also makes you appreciate it a little more. That's what's so great about this book, it makes you want to go out there and do something extraordinary in life. It touches your heart. A must read for all ages
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