Les Miserables

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

By: Victor Hugo

Narrated by: Joss Ackland, Roger Allam, full cast

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Joss Ackland, Roger Allam, and Leslie Phillips star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel.

When poverty drives Jean Valjean to steal a loaf of bread from a baker’s window, it is an action that will haunt him for the rest of his life. A citizen of postrevolutionary France, he is sentenced to nineteen years’ hard labour. On his release his fortunes change, and he becomes a respectable businessman and member of society - and yet his past continues to dog him in the form of the sadistic Inspector Javert, who seems determined to pursue Valjean to the grave.

A student uprising is gaining momentum in Paris, and barricades are being built around the city. Valjean’s adopted daughter, Cosette, has fallen in love with the young revolutionary Marius, and the lives of all three are in peril unless they can flee to safety.

Some of the most significant moments in nineteenth century history form the backdrop for Victor Hugo’s powerful story, in which love and heroism march in the face of poverty and social injustice.

©2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wonderful narration of this amazing book!

I purchased this book but never got around to reading it. I've seen the 1930's movie of Les Miserables and fell in love with the story and the movie, which I've watched many times. When I saw this book on Audible I had to hear it. And I loved it! The cast was wonderful and did an excellent job. I loved every minute of listening to this story.

Possibly the best audio version of Les Miserables?

Where does Les Miserables rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This BBC production is probably the best audio dramatization of Victor Hugo's novel. I have Orson Welles Mercury Theater version, which I love, the Focus On The Family version starring Brian Blessed, which is also quite good, but this adaptation takes more time, includes much more of Hugo's text and captures the characters best.

What did you like best about this story?

Redemption. Redemption is a beautiful thing, and though it is carelessly presented in the story (a man, even a priest, cannot redeem a soul- only God can do that), the change in Valjean's heart is staggering to behold. The story is fiction, but it has played out many times in reality. Jesus Christ changes lives. Valjean is an excellent model for that theme.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Grantaire, one of the students and Marius' friend. I believe he was the one that that slept through the "uprising," then stands with his friends as the police arrive.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story is a roller coaster of emotions, that's why it adapted to musical theater so well. It's easy to feel Valjean's anger at the beginning, Fantine's despair, Thernardier's treachery, Marius and Cosette's intense (but virtuous) love, Javert's misguided passion. It's all right there.

Any additional comments?

I typically listen to my Audible books/dramas on my iPod while I am walking, driving, exercising. This experience did not feel like it was nearly six hours long. It was told at a comfortable pace and never seemed to drag. It may be because I'm familiar with the source material, but I think it was probably because it was so well done. As a writer of audio dramas I always thought I might have a chance to crack this nut. Now I don't need to! The BBC did a terrific job, which I will listen to again and again.

Classic for a reason

“To die is nothing, but it is terrible not to live.”

Was on my TBR since as long as I can remember.
Finally got my hands on the audiobook. Will have to read it someday though. Victor Hugo's writing is effortlessly beautiful.
Now that I think about it, we did have an excerpt of this in our school curriculum.
Jean Val Jean and the candlesticks with the bishop. That is why this name and the story has been stuck in my brain since forever.

Jean Val Jean's story and his life long animosity with Javert is a joy to read, or in this case, listen.
Having watched the musical, the only Fantine I could imagine was Anne Hathaway's brilliant performance. Will have to definitely rewatch.

This particular dramatization is exactly how a story should be. Full of imagination.
Not only is the prose narrated, but the background noises add to the whole experience where you feel you are fighting in the rebellion alongside Marius.
I wish more audiobooks were produced this way. Creating your own personal movie in your mind's eye.

It touches on so many complex themes. The fact that this was written in 1862 and is still relevant to this day, blows my mind.

A classic tale of love, revenge and forgiveness. A must read.

Wonderful!

This is first time I heard the entire story! I enjoyed the entire book! Glad I downloaded it!

An Excellent retelling!

I had a little bit of difficulty with the Audio, I had to occasionally adjust the volume when scenes were loud or when people were whispering. But I can wholeheartedly say that it's still five enthusiastic stars from me! A wonderful listen and one of my all time favorite stories!

Like Watching A Broadway Play with your ears!

What an amazing performance by the entire cast. With the imagination you can see in your minds eye everything that is happening. My only complaint was I simply couldn’t stop listening. I lost sleep and put off chores but would happily do it all again.

One of mankind's great works!

A masterpiece about morale, politics and love; the story ends with a quote we all can learn from...

Truer to the book than any of the movies!

A brilliant combination of narration and acting and musical soundtrack! I was enchanted the whole time I was listening and had to really be careful of my ironing! ;)
Enjoy.

Fantastic performance!

Loved how the main points and storyline are covered with great voice acting and character portrayal.

Phenomenally done

Having read the unabridged version, I was slightly appalled to see that this version was only 5 hours long. But, having read the reviews, I decided it would be worth the listen. This is one of the best performances of a book I've ever had the pleasure to listen to.