The unoriginal thought. I expected better based on the hype, but as far as I can tell this book is a list of qualities revered by Hugo thinly (very) encased in a description of a person. Although that would be monotonous in itself, Hugo's ideas of what constitute high character and worthy citizenship seem to be those of an arrogant and naive teenager.

No. I've read and enjoyed many other books in this genre. In fact, I was slightly embarrassed never to have read this one. Now I know why.

Fluent, measured, adept.

It probably saved me the ticket price of the movie or show.

I only got through a few hours before giving up, so it may have gotten radically better and I don't wish to dissuade those who have better stamina than I.

I know, I know. I knew Les Mis was a long book when I ordered this. But sheeeeesh. It's taken me from November through February to finish it all. Normally, I don't believe in abridged versions of books, but I wish I'd made an exception in this case. It's beautifully written, and excellently performed, but I could maybe have done without a few of the tangential (albeit interesting) history lessons. At least as a listener with a one year old.

hahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahahaha

What a perfect way to enjoy this classic story.

His delightful voice and knowledge of French pronunciation.

This book is deservedly a classic! It is a story of transformation worked by grace, narrated with great skill. Hugo's prose is rich and multi-layered and a pleasure to listen to.

In a world of sound bites & fast reads, this long audio book is a beautiful pattern interrupt. It is beautifully narrated and the characters are fully developed beyond what a couple hour movie or stage presentation can capture. The beginning of the book gives a wonderful insight into the Bishop who gave sanctuary to the escape convict Jean Valjean, which is barely touched upon in the movie. That relationship seeded a spiritual awakening that is central to Victor Hugo's story. The other main characters also come with stories of their own that bring depth in the listening or reading of this book. The movie and the stage presentation of Les Miz are great, I highly recommend them, but the revolting of the youth that preceded the revolution was not the only story in this book. I am absolutely loving listening to this Classic

This is one of the best novels ever written. I was a little wary of starting the unabridged version, but I can't stop listening. Even Hugo's long asides are interesting and entertaining in this read.

When Victor Hugo dives into the character's souls, it's easy to amaze at the depth of understand this writer had for his time.

George Guidall is a fantastic reader. The voices of the characters, the excellent pronuctiation of French words, and the dramatic tones at the right times make for an excellent interpretation of the story.

I would. Les Miserables is an excruciating detailed understanding of the human condition.

Hugo's ability to describe the mundane in exquisite detail. But, most of all I enjoyed how Hugo describes each characters soul, morals, beliefs and emotions. If you put the story in the 21st century and left the characters as is, you be hard pressed to see any difference in the human condition.

One of the greatest stories of all times!

Great performance by the narrator!

It is easy to relate to the inner, emotional battles fought by the characters.

Most definitely.

Its George Guidall!... there is no one better, some as good, but no one better.

I did both

This book is over 40 hours long and it seemed like it was over in the blink of an eye. I love the musical and wanted to listen to the book before the movie version hit the screens. I am soooo glad I did. The background information you get on these characters is amazing. To know why the Bishop Myriel is the way he is, to get the background of Fantine how she came to have Cosette and how the Thénardiers are (the are quite despicable in the book, not the comic relief they are in the play) where they are in life and to feel Valjean's anguish and inner turmoil is utterly amazing. Also when Hugo goes on about Paris or the Battle of Waterloo, if you are a history fan, get a map and a lot of what is read will come alive. I just loved the book... so did my kids, my 12 year old daughter is now reading it and my 14 year old son just finished it.

The depth to which each character is described and analyzed made this story extremely enjoyable for me.

I have book marks all over this book so I can go back and visit certain ideas and philosophies that are explored.