Yes, I would say that it was well spent in that the musical and the movie touched my life so much that knowing the true way that it was written has enriched my understanding of both of those mediums. But the fact is that Victor Hugo was just not a master author and although this is a "classic" it's just poorly written in a lot of places.

I did listen to Victor Hugo again - I listened to the Hunchback of Notre Dame and this is the better of the two.

His characterization is spot on. His consistency in vocalizing the different characters with such accuracy is nothing short of amazing and helps to keep in mind which character is speaking. Guidall is great.

It is a movie and a musical and I did see both - many times.

See the movie first.

Not enough can be said about the spectacle that is Les Miserables. It's enlightened philosophy transcends its 18th century setting and truly makes the reader want to change. The characters of the book (although some are too good to be true) offer great insights into human nature and the transformational power of grace.
George Guidall is truly an outstanding narrator.. so much so that I have searched for audiobooks that bear his name as narrator. Take my advice and buy this book. Make sure you stick it out to the end, it will be worth it!

Absolutely. Wonderful character development, provoking dialogue, intriguing ideas... A true classic.

Either Jean Valjean or Bishop Myrial. Valjean is very dynamic. His struggle to find himself and become either good or evil mirrors a lot of what goes on in society, and puts on display what astonshing changes can overcome a man who is given a bit of good luck and compassion.

Bishop Myrial is also an interesting character, although a bit more 1 dimensional. He is nearly the definition of good and selfless, and listening to his story compels the listener to be more charitable in their own lives.

I haven't read the book, but Guidall is a fantasy reader. His passion reading the dialogue, changing tone slightly so as to easily let the reader know who is speaking, and his pronunciation of the French words draws you into a different world.

There's also a lot of history and background information that I surely wouldn't have been able to read through if it hadn't been read to me. Guidall puts good effort into keeping the less exciting sections bearable.

60+ hours? No.

The book itself does have a lot of sections that move incredibly slow, discussing Water Loo or the whole history of the convent, or some other detail that isn't at all necessary to what is otherwise a very captivating plot. Many times I've been frustrated since I wanted to hear more on what happened to the characters and had to listen to literally hours of history. But some of the history is at least appreciated, as it gives this book a wonderful depth to fully immerse oneself into.

In short, a bit long, but definitely worth it all the while!!

Yes, It is a rich tale with a touch of history! Keeps you interested.

Mr. Maddelin, Im not sure how to spell it but the main character is my favorite.

No, I haven't listened to him before but he did an outstanding job on this book.

Every part that the main character was able to pull himself, and others, out of a situation by digging deep and forcing himself to go on.

The entire book including the history lessons that intertwine are fasinating and mind capturing. You want to finish it in one sitting, which is impossible to do if you work or go to school or have a life.

Never. Way to long. To many detailes.
I

Yes. Not so many details.

The ending.

Cosett being cared for by Jon and being reunited with her true love.

If you are a religious person you will love this book and it will give you much to contemplate. If you are not a religious person you will love this book and it will give you much to ponder. The translation must be good because the writing is superb and the narration definitely adds to the enjoyment of this book.Yes, Old Vic does interject quite a bit that is the back story and while interesting, really does not add to the story. For many, an abridged version that focuses on the story and not so much on the history might be a better choice. I don't know if that is available. Having said that, though, there is much that is just plain interesting. His take on "Slang" is an example of some real gems in this book that are beyond the story.I just wish we could all decide and stick to the correct pronunciation of the title.

Victor Hugo's incredible, sweeping novel and a spot-on narration by George Guidall.
I was completely mesmerized and emotionally involved the entire time.
Thank you to Mr. Guidall for making this powerful story come to life.
High-5! (Deserves more than 5 stars).

Yes! It was a wonderful narrative, and it made the movie and all the musicals I have seen make more sense. It went in depth where the movies could not go. It got bogged down in details at times, but I found myself enraptured by the story. My brother says this is one of his all time favorite books. I have to agree.

Interesting story with a gripping cast of characters

My favorite scene is when the priest gives Valjean the candle sticks as well as the silver he "stole" and forgives him for everything.

No way. It was way too long.

The first scenes with Valjean and Cosette are my favorite. Very emotional and well read by Guidall.

George Guidall does such a great job reading this book! He has a really familiar voice and he made this very long book easy to understand for me. I did end up taking some of the previous suggestions and skipped over some of the long-winded passages where the author gets on his soapbox and gets a little preachy.

The translation is also fantastic. I have one of the free Kindle versions of Les Miserables and this translation by Julie Rose is so much better.

Near the top!

Jean Valjean and Eponine

Easy voice to listen to, especially for such a long book.

Fathers love