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))

Great Translation + Great Narration

A must read epic classical literature. Thanks to all the raving reviews of this translation, I am very happy I went with this version. On top of great writing and engrossing storyline, the great performance from George Guidall helped me to stay interested with this huge book to the end (something I would not have accomplished in print). Well worth the time, highly recommended. My next stop is Les Miserables on Broadway.

Great but overly stuffed

The book deals in big ideas, and I like that. Overall it’s a great story, exciting and adventurous. I found it overly romantic for my taste and philosophically childish. Hugo is very fond of overly broad generalizations. He also goes on and on at times on subjects that are pointless to the story. But getting through those gassy sections is worth the trouble.

Tangled! Tearful! Twisted! Treasure...

60 hours of clear out loud story. worth every second. Bravo!

Before I began this tale of risery upon misery, I thought, way too long.. now that I have finished, I want more!

One of the best books ever written

If you liked the movie or the musical, read the book and find out what Victor Hugo was really trying to get across. A wonderful book about the human condition and what it takes for a person to rise to their full potential.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

I've listened to this book all the way through several times. If you've never listened or read, you are in for a treat, well worth the time it takes to complete.

Completely Wonderful, as expected.

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

I will probably listen to this over and over, it is one of those books I could easily read at any point and fall right into the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The long discourses and descriptions bring the characters, events, and settings to life in a very sharp and real way.

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

His pronunciation of the French names, words, and locations further serves to place the listener in the story. Reading these words in my head, I would probably skip pronouncing them completely and subsequently lose that effect.

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

"Do you Hear the People Sing?" Ha. I admit that I took this from the musical's song- but honestly, it's a story that really makes you root for the people.

a simple review

I was not convinced about this book because I im a person who despises musicals .
that being said I did a little research on Victor Hugo and his fillosofis and the impact he had on the countries of central America and south America I was convinced that this book would be interesting I was mistaken this is absolutely great book

Life altering

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to listen to this book. I cannot read French, but I feel that the translation is beautifully done maintaining enough of the original language for me to experience more of the culture. The performance was also unbelievably well done between the a beautiful blend of two languages as well as believable characters. What Hugo has written should move every person to strive to be better. The depth to which he shares background or history is a complete education for the reader. If I had read this on my own I do not think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did. The performer's understanding of the piece kept me engaged and trusting there was a purpose and meaning behind each extended description of a battle, time period or character. Thank you.

Perfect narration for a magnificent novel

Combining the wonderful translation by Julie Rose, a gifted narrator and Victor Hugo, this audiobook cannot miss being one of my favorites. Victor Hugo has long philosophical digressions which, after a few, I began to enjoy and agree with. But the underlying story is about a troubled guy who becomes a superhero. Mitch Rapp and The Gray Man could take some tips from Jean Valjean. As other reviewers have pointed out, getting through the pathos of the first half is the biggest challenge. Hang in there! Next on your list for a long listen could be War and Peace or The Way of Kings for 50 hour plus extravaganzas

Amazing story!

Clear, accessible and beautifully read. This is better than any stage or motion picture can render!