Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose

By: Victor Hugo, Julie Rose - translator

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 60 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the great classics of world literature and the inspiration for the most beloved stage musical of all time, Les Misérables is legendary author Victor Hugo’s masterpiece. This extraordinary English version by renowned translator Julie Rose captures all the majesty and brilliance of Hugo’s work. Here is the timeless story of the quintessential hunted man—Jean Valjean—and the injustices, violence, and social inequalities that torment him.

©2008 Random House (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Rich and gorgeous. This is the [translation] to read.” ( Times (London))

excellent

still a moving, important story by a great humanitarian and narrated by a powerful voice.

This is a banquet - not fast food

This book was a complete change in my reading fare. It required me to rethink my mindset about what I enjoy about audio books. A great narrator - check. An interesting story line - check, check, check, check, and check. Easy to follow, holds my interest, but ultimately, I just want to get to the end of the story....that was the one that made me realize and admit to what I enjoyed. This seven volume classic challenged me repeatedly until I finally listened to that voice inside that said, "this is a banquet, not fast food." There are most definitely several "courses" served at this banquet. The development and description of the characters at the various stages of their lives, was one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. I gained a deep appreciation for this well-written manner of story telling. I don't pretend to be a literary critic, but this story changed me. It developed my "taste buds" for similar classics. If you're having difficulty completing it, step away from the table for a bit, let it stay with you for a day or two, but by all means, go back for more.

And then go look at the news headlines.

Excellent story, excellent narration

What did you love best about Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose?

George Guidall did a fantastic job of reading one of the best books I have ever read!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jean val Jon because he is remarkable

Which scene was your favorite?

The final scene

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book

Wonderful Audiobook

If you could sum up Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose in three words, what would they be?

One of the greatest stories of all times!

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

Great performance by the narrator!

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

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

The Whole Story

If you could sum up Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose in three words, what would they be?

Awesome human story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose?

The rescue of Colette

Which scene was your favorite?

The forgiveness shown Valjean by the Bishop over the candlesticks theft

Any additional comments?

Listening to the dulcet tones of George Guidall convey Les Miserables made this audio book stellar. His perfect language skills; his emotion; his incredible character-capturing tones. . . they all lend the most compelling ambiance to this book. And to hear the entire story is something no one should miss. Tho' the screenwriters did a perfect job of condensing the basic story to the movie, to know all the background and the human story Hugo was telling is what makes Les Miserables a book for all. Besides, you get a pretty good history of Napoleonic wars. I would've had a hard time READING those parts, Guidall made it a joy. I listen while I do through-hole soldering (my job), and it made work something I couldn't wait to do.

A little lengthy at times but an outstanding read

Would you listen to Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose again? Why?

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.

What did you like best about this story?

Interesting story with a gripping cast of characters

Which scene was your favorite?

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

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No way. It was way too long.

This novel is my soulmate

Absolutely amazing. While not an entry-level novel, this is one worth training for. A French, Catholic and far better Moby Dick. If you read 19th century novels, don't miss this one.

Better than I've ever read of seen!

What did you love best about Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose?

The narration was beautiful. It was especially helpful for me in that I do not speak or read French, so to hear the names pronounced perfectly in French was a real gift to me.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the character development the most. In any of the movies or abridged versions, the Bishop of Digne is just a passing character, yet hearing the full details (with French names pronounced perfectly) made me realize just how central the Bishop is to the continuing plot in the novel when he barely gets an honorable mention in the other versions.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

His pronunciation of the French words with such ease, his tone, his inflection (which told the story with some emotion but without going over the top with it), was incredibly easy to listen to, and the scenes of the story simply appeared within my mind as if I were watching, rather than listening, to the thoughts of the characters and the scenes around them.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several, but the first was when I realized that the silver tableware and the silver candlesticks were all that remained of the Bishop's past life of comfort. In giving away them, he was finally and fully giving away himself.

Any additional comments?

Holy cats. This was my first audible book, but it will not be my last!

Exquisite Narration

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

George Guidall is probably my favorite narrator, his voice is expressive, rich, and he develops fantastic voices for various characters. Couple his narration with this epic of a story and you have a real winner.

Elegant reading by Guidell ,relevant story by Hugo

A timeless story about the nature of social justice, individual morality and personal truth that has lead to modern , French liberalism.