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))

Wonderful, but drags with the history!

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

Absolutely. Wonderful character development, provoking dialogue, intriguing ideas... A true classic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Either Jean Valjean or Bishop Myrial. Valjean is very dynamic. His struggle to find himself and become either good or evil mirrors a lot of what goes on in society, and puts on display what astonshing changes can overcome a man who is given a bit of good luck and compassion.

Bishop Myrial is also an interesting character, although a bit more 1 dimensional. He is nearly the definition of good and selfless, and listening to his story compels the listener to be more charitable in their own lives.

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

I haven't read the book, but Guidall is a fantasy reader. His passion reading the dialogue, changing tone slightly so as to easily let the reader know who is speaking, and his pronunciation of the French words draws you into a different world.

There's also a lot of history and background information that I surely wouldn't have been able to read through if it hadn't been read to me. Guidall puts good effort into keeping the less exciting sections bearable.

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

60+ hours? No.

Any additional comments?

The book itself does have a lot of sections that move incredibly slow, discussing Water Loo or the whole history of the convent, or some other detail that isn't at all necessary to what is otherwise a very captivating plot. Many times I've been frustrated since I wanted to hear more on what happened to the characters and had to listen to literally hours of history. But some of the history is at least appreciated, as it gives this book a wonderful depth to fully immerse oneself into.

In short, a bit long, but definitely worth it all the while!!

The book, of course, but the narrator!!!!

It's such an odd thing to listen to a book this long. It took weeks! But I could hardly wait to get back to it each day for the few minutes I had. George Guidall is always a stunning narrator, but I am used to hearing him deliver more-restrained material. Here he manages the breathless, slightly soggy, romance as well as the descriptions of the Paris sewer system, and animates each major character (and quite a few of the minor ones) with a recognizable voice. The translation, as well, reads stunningly well, with switches from high to low register, comedy and tragedy, and everything in between. Here's hoping Ms. Rose takes on the Hunchback of Notre Dame next!

Great book!

This book is a life changer. It makes me want to be a better person.

Beautiful Story; Wonderful Reader; Bad Paper

Who can contest Victor Hugo as being anything but an exceptional and gifted writer? This story is a monument to his genius. The reader did an excellent job of portraying the emotion and characters. Well done! However, at the end there is an attached "paper" on Hugo and the book that was entirely out of place and completely ruined the awe of Hugo's story and concluding lines. All 60 hours were an amazing journey which then ended in 30 minutes of some man's views of the whole thing. Story--brilliant. Ending--detrimental.

Entertaining Performance, Outstanding Translation

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

The story is well known and one of my favorites. This is a must read novel. I especially appreciated the essay at the end of the audio book - it was a great way to "wind down" and contemplate what I had just experienced.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jean Valjean, of course. He was redeemed.

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

The narration was phenomenal. The dramatic emphasis was entertaining and I never tired of listening to him, even after 60 hours.

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

Very touching in many places. This translation was noticeably more accessible and understandable than the free ebook version I read a few years ago.

Any additional comments?

After reading the unabridged version once in print and now a second time by audio, I would opt for an abridged version next time. The detail often interrupts the flow of the story taking you further away from the action than you want to be.

Amazing Book, Best Narrator Ever

This is the best story of judgement and mercy outside of the Bible I have ever read. I've only ever read abridged versions as I've been told the unabridged novel rambles and goes off on rambling tangents. I am so happy I finally listened to the book as it was meant to be written. I found the entire book to be relevant, interesting and not rambling at all. All of the background story and side story all work to make the book even more beautiful and powerful than the abridged versions. Also, the narration was superb!

The best book ever!

This is my absolute favorite book ever. No other book can bring so many deep feelings to the reader. The story of redemprion is second to none. If you havent read this book you must!

Absolutely amazing!

I had only seen the movie with Liam Neeson, the book is so rich. It had me in tears.

Best Translation, Wonderful Narrarator

The third time’s a charm! I tried two other versions before choosing this one, and, once I found it, I had no need to look further! Julie Rose translated this masterpiece into very understandable, modern English, and she brought out so much I would have missed in the earlier translations. This narrator completed the partnership! His voice made 60 hours very enjoyable and engaging, and his talent made each character distinct and recognizable. I wholeheartedly recommend this one, and I hope all of you will enjoy it as much as I did. The Brothers Karamazov, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, The Count of Monte Cristo, Til We Have Faces, Little Women, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Paradise Lost and … this one!

A beautiful story that tugs in the heart often

The book is a classic for a reason. It's a beautiful story. There are definitely times when the listener will want to skip parts that seem bloated, lengthy, unnecessary, or pointless. I recommend pushing through those parts. It's incredible. Don't give up on this one if you start to get bored. It's a masterpiece