Les Miserables

By: Victor Hugo

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Length: 57 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in the Parisian underworld and plotted like a detective story, Les Miserables follows Jean Valjean, originally an honest peasant, who has been imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving family. A hardened criminal upon his release, he eventually reforms, becoming a successful industrialist and town mayor. Despite this, he is haunted by an impulsive former crime and is pursued relentlessly by the police inspector Javert.

Hugo describes early 19th-century France with a sweeping power that gives his novel epic stature. Among the most famous chapters are the account of the battle of Waterloo and Valjean's flight through the Paris sewers.

(P)1996 Blackstone Audiobooks

Excellent -- worth the investment

Takes a LONG time to listen to but well worth it. Narration is excellent. The only thing I will say is I found it odd that the narrator has an English accent given the amount of French in the translated text. Other than that, the narrator does an admirable job bringing characters to life over such a long novel. The quality of the narration is critical to making an audio book listenable. I have bought some books that were simply unlistenable but this one is excellent.

Worth the work

OK - when a book hits 50hrs+ you have to hope that its a goody. It is.

My only experience of this work before this was as the title of a musical. I don't like musicals.

But the book is brilliant. Like so many of the big beasts in literature there is quite a lot of peripheral philosophising but never so much that it gets tedious. The sweep of the story is amazing and the feeling as the story progresses of different threads being spun and woven is masterful. I ended up extending listening sessions in order to get to the finale quicker Definitely worth the effort to get all the way through.

Frederick Davidson is an ever reliable narrator making this a real must listen.

Much too much

Victor Hugo at his best is amazing, but he frequently wanders all over the place. Try an abridged version.

Let the chapters absorb before listening on

This is a long read. It’s just not conducive to long sessions trying to get through it. It’s enjoyment comes from shorter sessions and then contemplation on the messages presented.

Good Story Written For It's Time

Victor Hugo does a wonderful job of presenting the issues with the French society. I love the main storyline that follows the characters. However, for those of us who are not familiar with much of the French history, there are sections of the book that are dedicated to these historical points. So, if you are not familiar with or do not want to hear long explanations of French history that contain numerous unheard of names of individuals in French society, listen to the abridged version of this book. Otherwise, it is a wonderful story.

Classic story is a must-read.

I've listened to this book at least four times. Frederick Davidson's performance makes it come to life. One of my favorites.

Loved the French accent and pronunciations!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Listening was sooooo much easier than reading the book! If one is going to tackle Les Miserables, I highly recommend listening to it! I even enjoyed the 45 minute description of the sewer system of Paris, and the details of Waterloo!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jean Val Jean was of course the favorite - he is the hero!

Which scene was your favorite?

I suppose my favorite scene was when Marius figured out who saved him, and he and Cosette went to Jean Val Jean.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mercy given, victorious, and passed along...

Any additional comments?

I loved the discourse on priest at the beginning. Others have said he didn't have much to do with the story - but I disagree. He had EVERYTHING to do with the life of Jean Val Jean. He changed the course of history for him, and I am sure for many others!
I loved the voice of Frederick Davidson! Great voices, expression, and pace!

A "must have"

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

I would rate Les Miserables at about an 8 out of 10. After watching the movie - I had to find out the 'whole story.' I am really glad to listen as this is terribly long (60 hours) and I dont think I would be able to find the time to actually sit and read it. But, saying that, the story line is facinating, and I couldn't 'put it down!' There is lots and lots of social commentary from Mr. Hugo. It gives a real insight to the times.

What other book might you compare Les Miserables to and why?

I would compare this to many of Charles Dickens' books as both authors were concerned about the plight of the poor during their lifetime.

Have you listened to any of Frederick Davidson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Frederick Davidson (David Case) is my very favorite narrator. His interpretation of different characters is amazing and gives a real life feel to the stories he reads. You find yourself thinking you are listening to many different people. I pick my novels by his reading them.

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

It always makes me cry...even when I know what is going to happen.

Good Story, Bad Recording

I chose the version that was included with my subscription and I learned you get what you pay for. This was the worst recording I’ve ever listened to. There was a cat meowing a few times in the background, pages rustling, the narrator stifled a yawn at one point, and lots of swallowing. I got the feeling Mr. Davidson recorded this in his house instead of a studio and the background noises took away from the book (though the cat made me laugh).

Wonderful

The reading was inedible, the voices prefect and the great story was treated with the respect it deserves.