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))

Absolutely my all time favorite

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

I cannot say enough about this novel. I love the film with Liam Neesen - and set out to read the book. Completed the first part - (though the historical sections are tough) and then realized, with my audible membership - I should just listen. The narrator on this novel is wonderful. It is immensely helpful to have it read to you - and aids with the difficulties in not being a French citizen (unfamiliar with the history of France and the details of Paris). His accent, his voices - everything was wonderful. I am, and will always be - in love with this story of redemption. The book is SO much better than the film (as always)....

Such a rich and amazing story

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

The story itself is so rich and varied. It comprises so many stories into one book and I loved that.

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

The story of jean valjean and cosette was so touching and amazing.

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

No

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

The very begining when the father had mercy on jean valjean and gave him the silver

Any additional comments?

A must read

Great story, great translation and fantastic narration by George Guidall!!

Les Miserables is a masterpiece. Well recognized as one of the greatest literary works of all time. This narration is especially good for George Guidall’s attention to emphasis, accent, and pace of performance.

Excellent book

I loved the musical, and loved the book even more!! The narrator is an easy 10/10 and the book itself is excellently written. Would totally recommend!

This is an absolute masterpiece

This book, has changed my life. Throughout each of my last three summers, there has been one very long book. I have listened to. Two summers ago, I listened to Don Quixote, last summer, I listen to the Count of Monte Cristo, this summer, I listened to Les Misérables. The characters in this book, are full characters, the type of characters you learn from. Whether it’s Thenadier with his constant rascalism or Jean Valjean with his Christ likeness. And the themes in this book are so well brought out. Is it the narration that is superb and captivating? Or is it the translation? I think they’re both great. George Guidall is one of my favourite readers. He does Les Misérables very well. The translation is easy to understand as well to my knowledge it stays true to the story. The one problem I have with it, is its repetition of certain idioms, which is not in the original language.

Life changing

I like that it is making me want to be a better human being. A better Christian.

It is the best of books, it is the worst of books

Les Miserables is more of a quest than a book. It is a huge book that meanders along taking many long detours but eventually arriving at its destination. You must be prepared for a long journey, don't be the child who continually asks "are we there yet?"

The narrative of this journey follows Jean Valjean an ex-convict who finds redemption, love, and seeks to do good. Along the way we get long discourses on slang, politics, the street urchins of Paris, the sewers of Paris, and the Battle of Waterloo to name a few (there are many long detours). There are also many subplots and stories, such as the Bishop of Digne which opens the book. There are many long detours, many.

Is the book worth the time? I think it is, it is a wonderful story and the long detours add much to the experience. It is named Les Miserables for the portrait of the poor that it gives, but it does not idolize them, it shows the good and the bad, the weak and the strong. It should encourage you do go out and help some one.

This particular translation is advertised as being more earthy and closer to the French of Hugo than the more staid traditional translations. It is more earthy, more sprightly and not academic, but not knowing French I can't say if it is actually closer to Hugo or not. Some translation choices seem odd to me (clink for jail) but once you get into the flow of the story it works.

The narrator is one of the best in the business and he does a commendable job here.

So, should you read this book? I think so, I highly recommend it.

Would I read it again? Yes I will, in a while, when I'm ready for a long, long journey.

Wow!

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

The reader is one of my favorite. Although Hugo can be exceptionally wordy, the reader's voice, inflections and style make it easy to listen, enjoy and just absorb the intent of what the author is communicating.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Jean Valjean meets Cosette in the woods and rescues her from the Thenardier's.

Any additional comments?

This story cannot be abridged and still possess the same power. By today's standards, Hugo can be difficult to read as he is very wordy, and the historical narrative is long and detailed. However, it is integral to understanding the significance of why the characters were motivated to do what they did. The story, the characters - everything about this book is phenomenal. Those who are diligent and listen to the entire story will reap the rewards. Also, the narrator must be given major credit for making the experience so enjoyable. This is the best reading of this great tale out there.

I think this book changed my life

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

This was an amazing book. I usually prefer casual books, that don't require much thought, but are rather read for entertainment purposes. I don't know why exactly I picked this book, other than the fact that I loved the narrator, George Guidall's work on other books and the book was on sale when I purchased it. I won't spoil anyone with plot details, but the book made me a better person. Seeing the change in some of the main characters caused me to be a more charitable person and since reading this book I have started to make plans to bring joy to people's life this Christmas (2012). I praise God for Victor Hugo and the talent that was bestowed upon him. Everything about this book was great. I am a much better person after listening to this recording.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jean Valjean was my favorite character but I related more to Marius

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

Guillermond (not sure how to spell it, but the old grandpa of Marius)

Wonderful!

Would you consider the audio edition of Les Misérables: Translated by Julie Rose to be better than the print version?

I never read the unabridged print version and was somewhat taken by how much detail Hugo put into the unabridged version. I have to say I did fast forward several times through heavy historical politics that I couldn't understand anyway.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jean Valjean, but had to search for his character and his story among lots of other detail that didn't interest me (probably because I couldn't understand it).

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

I enjoy his deep slow and rich voice.

Any additional comments?

Next time I will look for another version...