Summary of the book – Les Misérables

Summary of the book – Les Misérables

“Les Misérables” is a historical novel written by Victor Hugo and published in 1862. The story is set in 19th century France and revolves around the life of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption after spending years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family. Throughout the story, Valjean faces various adversities, including the persecution of police inspector Javert, while trying to live a righteous life and help the less fortunate.

The book is divided into five parts and addresses themes such as justice, love, redemption, poverty, and politics. In addition to Valjean, the book features a series of other characters, including Fantine, a young single mother forced into prostitution to support her daughter; Cosette, Fantine’s daughter who is adopted by Valjean; Marius, a young student who falls in love with Cosette; and Javert, the police inspector who pursues Valjean throughout the story.

Throughout the book, Victor Hugo describes the difficult conditions faced by the poor and underprivileged of the time, as well as the political and social struggles that led to the French Revolution of 1832. However, despite the dark themes and difficulties faced by the characters, the book also celebrates human kindness and the capacity for redemption, suggesting that even the most miserable can find hope and happiness in their lives.

Overall, “Les Misérables” is considered one of the great novels of French literature and one of the most important works of world literature, with its influence extending beyond literature and popular culture, including adaptations for theater, film, and opera.

Summary of the book – Les Misérables

When was it first published and by whom?

“Les Misérables” was first published on April 3, 1862, by the French publisher A. Lacroix, Verboeckhoven & Cie. The first edition of the book consisted of two volumes and was quickly sold out, with over 7,000 copies sold on the first day. Since then, the book has become a classic of world literature and one of the best-known and beloved works of Victor Hugo.

Curiosities

1. Victor Hugo spent more than 17 years writing “Les Misérables”. He began writing the book in 1845 and only completed it in 1862, when he was 60 years old.
2. The original French title of the book, “Les Misérables”, literally translates to “The Wretched” or “The Miserable Ones”. However, the word “misérables” can be interpreted in various ways, including as “the outcasts”, “the unhappy”, or “the underprivileged”.
3. The book is based on real historical events that occurred in 19th century France, including the Revolution of 1832 and the construction of barricades in Paris.
4. The character of Jean Valjean was inspired by a former convict named Eugène François Vidocq, who became a private detective after leaving prison.
5. Victor Hugo was also a renowned poet, and he included several poems in the book, including the poem “The Battle of Waterloo”, which is considered a masterpiece of French poetry.
6. The book had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring various adaptations for theater, film, and opera. The most well-known adaptation is the Broadway musical “Les Misérables”, which premiered in 1985 and became one of the most successful musicals of all time.
7. Victor Hugo was an active advocate for human rights and social justice, and his works reflect his political beliefs. He was also one of the leading figures of the French Romantic movement and is considered one of the greatest French writers of all time.