Book Review of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo remains one of the most popular and respected authors in French literature. His writings were cultural fixtures throughout the nineteenth century, and he quickly emerged as one of the leaders of the Romantic Movement in literature.
Les Misérables is that the story of Jean Valjean, a
convict, who has just been released from prison after serving 19 years for
stealing a loaf of bread. Influenced by the bishop to begin a new life, Jean
assumes a new name and moves to a new location where he becomes a respected
citizen and makes a fortune in manufacturing. The police inspector, Javert, is
suspicious of him, but it's not until Jean’s conscience prods him to reveal his
true identity that he's forced to escape.
The rest of the novel is set in Paris, where Jean
changes residences frequently and assumes a number of identities in order to
avoid arrest. Fulfilling a promise to her dying mother Fantine, he rescues a
young girl named Cosette from the evil Thénardier family and becomes her
guardian. They spend many years in a convent where Cosette grows into a
beautiful young lady. Eventually, Jean leaves this safe haven so that Cosette
may have a more normal life.
Cosette falls in love with Marius, a young lawyer, who
joins a band of revolutionists at a barricade. Unbeknownst to Marius, Jean is
also at the barricade; when he is wounded, Jean, who has spared the life of his
constant adversary Javert, risks his life to carry Marius to safety through the
sewer system of Paris, returning him to his family and Cosette.
Against all
odds, Jean struggles to follow the bishop’s teachings and become a good man. It
is not until after the wedding of Cosette and Marius and he is on his deathbed
that he is at last able to stop running from his past and reveal all. Not until
then does he finally find peace.
Reference-
Hugo, V. (2017). Les misérables. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
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