Les Misérables: The Miserable, Wretched, Poor Ones, Wretched Poor, Victims – Illustrated (Beloved Books Edition) By Victor Hugo

Les Misérables is widely considered one of the greatest novels of all times. The novel follows the lives and interactions of several French characters, focusing on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, architecture of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. The story is historical fiction because it contains factual and historic events. Contrary to what some believe, it does not use the French Revolution as a backdrop. The French Revolution took place in the eighteenth century; Les Misérables takes place in the nineteenth century. The only “revolution” depicted is the June Rebellion, a student uprising. Les Misérables is known to many through its numerous stage and screen adaptations, most notably the stage musical of the same name.