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))

A little long but good

I hadn’t anticipated exactly how long it was but the book was, indeed, better yet sadder than the musical.

A masterpiece performed masterfully

Beautiful translation that captures Hugo's poetry, passion, insight, and wit. Superb performance. Outstanding audiobook of an epic work.

Great Intro to Epic Fiction

"...as long as ignorance and misery exist in this world, books like the one you are about to read are, perhaps, not entirely useless." --Victor Hugo (Les Miserables, Epigraph)

The best part about reading through classic lit in my 40s without any academic background: every book is a surprise. I didn't get more than a few hours into Les Mis before I yelled "I'm reading Tolstoy!" I was wholly unaware that Hugo had a profound influence on Tolstoy's W&P.

That said: Les Mis comes off as a structurally 'junior' version of W&P. (That's a complement to both parties.) The LM storyline is more linear, and there are 10x fewer characters. Content-wise, there is still tons to love about LM: every other day had some sublime quote or passage. There were too many quotes to keep track (pocket notes below). Perhaps the scene that moved me the most was middle-aged Valjean ripping Montparnasse a new ear on what constitues the 'easy' life, and Hugo's subsequent attack on epicureanism. Or perhaps Cosette's doll. So tough to choose.

In only my sixth year of being a father to my two daughters, the Valjean/Cosette allegories struck me to the core. (I'm having a very difficult time convincing myself I will not suffer the same fate as Valjean N years from now if my Cosette finds her Marius. Yet, it was Valjean who freed Cosette in her youth. God--such a good novel.)

I listened to the 1980 musical after reading the novel. The novel is much darker than the musical (which is to say: I preferred the novel), though the muscial expands upon Eponine more so than in the novel (which is very much for the better).

If you've thought about tackling your first epic audiobook, the Rose/Guidall LM is a great place to start. To whet your palette further: Chernow's 'Alexander Hamilton', Les Mis, and W&P make for a trilogy unlike any other. Pocket notes below.

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Memorable scenes:
Mothers death scene
Waterloo
Helping Cosette with the bucket and the doll at the fairgrounds.
The convent and the prison.
JV didn't want to lock Cosette in the convent, didn't want to take away her freedom.
Cosette and her father's relationship as she blossoms.
Monologue on work by JV.
Monologue on love by Marius.
Etiology of slang. Suffering.
Mankind will be saved when we feed our minds like we feed our stomachs.
The darkness of the Parisian streets and the toxin of the St Marie bell running.
There is no civil war. Only just and unjust war.
Marius had not lived long enough to know that nothing is more inevitable than the impossible, and what you must always forsee is the unseeable.
The sewers.

Good but is missing parts

There were some parts that were silent and missing from this audio book. Otherwise well done.

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.