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))

Best Novel

What made the experience of listening to Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose the most enjoyable?

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.

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

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.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

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.

A true classic, wonderfully read.

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

What a perfect way to enjoy this classic story.

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

His delightful voice and knowledge of French pronunciation.

Why choose 1 word among 20.

The performance was fabulous but the length was unnecessary. Anyone who devotes an entire chapter to explaining why they aren't going to describe a particular scene has a problem.

Fantastic Read!

The story was addictive and due to its length, one can get caught up for hours, before they realize the time. The writer gives the reader details on the history & political forms of the day, that help to clarify the situations the characters find themselves involved. Much more involved than the 'opera' based on part of the book!

My best listening experience to date.

What made the experience of listening to Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose the most enjoyable?

So rich in language and imagery and history.

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

Once again this was wonderful. 60 hours of wonderful energy and perfect French.

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

How the story continues to be so relevant.

Be patient and enjoy.

This book was wonderfully performed. It is a masterpiece of literature. it was hard work to read in college. the audible book makes it an easy listen. If I were to give one piece of friendly advice, I would recommend listening to the very last chapter of the recording, which is an essay describing Hugo and his vision played out in this book.

This book is a gem!!!

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

This is about the best I can imagine audible has to offer. The story is great. The reading was wonderful. I've read reviews about the translation not being so great well all I can say is it shines through for me wonderfully!

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

There are so many memorable moments it is impossible to pick just one.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

I started another book and went back to listen to this a second time. Part of that is because I miss the voice. He has a wonderful storytellers voice. I also liked how he did the characters.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is hard to believe that a book so long can continue to keep me so engaged but it did right up to the end.

Sits on my mental bookshelf next to the Bible

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

I really appreciated the narration of George Guidall. He was an excellent choice of actor to record this important work. He has great character voices, inflections, masterful skill in being the "one man show" of Les Miserable. (I hope he received some kind of award or recognition!) The reason why many start Les Miserables but never finish is that between Hugo's verbose language and the complicated and continuous (to modern eyes) French language references make it a very dense read. Yet, if you approach this book as if you were sitting in a big leather armchair before a fire with someone such as George Guidall reading it to you, with all the phrasing and correct pronunciations in context, Hugo's pageant opens up to you. Not only is it a great work of literature, it is profoundly deep, entertaining, sentimental and moving. If the musical/operetta version (excellent in it's own genre) Les Miserables is a six-inch ruler, the book is a yard-stick!

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

So many - off the top, where Jean Val Jean finds Cossette in the forest when she is getting water, later when Marius falls in love with her in the Luxembourg Gardens; the characterization of Marius' grandfather, the description of the Battle of Waterloo. The night Jean Val Jean agonizes over whether or not he should turn himself in when a man of mistaken identity may be condemned in his place. All fantastic.

Which scene was your favorite?

Of the many memorable scenes, my favorite is where the three orphaned boys take shelter in the Elephant of the Bastille during a thunderstorm. It was months ago that I originally read it, yet it continues to haunt me. It was touchingly adorable, funny and horrifying all at once.

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

As a joke - You haven't cried so much since Bambi's Mother died! Seriously - the story that asks and answers our universal questions about life - with one word.

Any additional comments?

Well worth the value if you get it as a single purchase or on a membership. It took me a year to complete the audio version and that was with being able to listen to it at extended periods at a time. And what was the first thing I did after wiping away my last tear on the last page? (so to speak) Hit the download button again to listen to the first part. I didn't want to leave and there is so much more to be gained again and again. I'm so glad this version of this book exists in this world. It truly has been a blessing in my life. If you can, please do invest the time. I hope you will find it equally moving.

The Best Audible Book - Bar None!

Where does Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Best Audible Book - Bar None!

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

You enter a world that is so deep and perfectly explained that you come away not only loving the story of the lives of the many characters, but also having been to a university of history!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Jean Valjean carries Marius through the sewers.

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

There is humor, there is intrigue, I even wept.

Any additional comments?

Of all the Audible books I have downloaded, and there are many, many of them, this is one of my all time favorites. I have listened to it 3 times and it is always new and very exciting. By the way, be prepared. If you think you know the story because you have watched the movie, think again. The popular renditions of this tale are merely a minute fraction of the complete story! I'm not exaggerating at all when I say this. In fact, after you read this book you will think that my assertion was an understatement! The author completely recreates every bit of back story for every significant character! Not only that, but you will learn much about France, the French Revolution, the convents, even the intricacies of the sewer system of Paris! I cannot more highly recommend this book! Buy it, learn from it, cherish it! It may very well change your outlook on life!

An All-time classic

wonderfully narrated and translated. I was moved to tears so many times that i feel happy to be finished but i am glad to know now the full story.