Les Miserables

By: Victor Hugo

Narrated by: Bill Homewood

Les Miserables is set in Paris after the French Revolution. In the sewers and back streets we encounter "the wolf-like tread of crime," and assassination for a few sous is all in a day's work. We weep with the unlucky and heartbroken Fantine, and exult with the heroic revolutionaries of the barricades; but above all we thrill to the steadfast courage and nobility of soul of ex-convict Jean Valjean, always in danger from the relentless pursuit of the diabolical Inspector Javert.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)1996 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

MIssing the music

I am very familiar w/ the operetta. I like knowing more of the detail that the show does not go into. But knowing the pacing of the musical made this book too slow for me to finish.

If you are not familiar w/ the music, this book may be good for you.

Classic worth reading

Even though it was painful to hear of the suffering endured by the characters in the story, this novel was nourishment for my soul.

Hugo's love still shines...

For such a short abridgment, this audio does well to deliver much of that which makes Les Miserable so great. To those who have read the unabridged version, it might seem a trifle elementary at times, especially in the beginning, but it should deliver on what brought you here and in style. I cannot speak to those with virgin ears, except to say that if you enjoy hyper-idealized characters as well as plots with masterful twists and a careful delivery, that, though blunted by it's length, this book might be of great interest to you.

Though this next note deals largely with own my personal taste I hope that you'll forgive me for making a plea to Audible, should anyone there review these reviews at times- I tell you that I would pay $200 for this narrator to cover Les Miserable in it's unabridged version. I understand that Frederick Davidson does what many consider to be a good job of it, but he's too polarizing a narrator along the lines of interest and boredom as well as approachability vs snobbishness to have divested your entire interest in such a classic.

Regardless, thank you. And I hope this has helped to guide the way for someone out there as I do not write reviews often. Happy listening:)

Wrong language

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Someone looking for the english translation

What other book might you compare Les Miserables to and why?

It's a fantastic classic, on par with Oliver Twist and Pride and Prejudice

Any additional comments?

When buying a book with a french title it should be more clear this is just a translation and not the original. Was very disappointed. I've read it and seen it in English and wanted to hear it the way it was written which is the only reason I decided to try audio books in the first place.