All I can say is wow. Wow. WOW! How can a book be this good? And how can the unabridged version be so good? Is it even possible.
I am sad to admit that I did not pick up this book on my own. I had to read Les Miserables for a class, but this book turned into much more than just assigned reading. I honestly don't know why I haven't read this book before. I can't believe that it never crossed my mind to read this book. I am kicking myself for that. But I have now read and it and life will never be the same.
I know that sounds extreme, but if you have experienced the miracle that is Les Miserables than you understand what I mean. How can a convict a person, who is turned away by everyone be such a good person? How can this man who is a saint be condemned for something as simple as stealing bread? Why was this allowed to happen?
This book brings up so many questions about society and humanity. But before my discussion of the themes let me give you a brief overview of the plot.
A man named Jean Valjean is arrested for stealing a loaf of bread. He spends almost 20 years in prison. After he gets out he is discriminated against because he is a convict. The rest of the book is his life story and how he changes his life after experiencing what he did in prison. After a kind priest show Valjean grace he does a complete 180 and changes his life. He pulls himself up by his bootstraps and makes his a respectable and rich man. Jean Valjean is the kindest, most selfless man every created. There are so many times when he gives up what he wants and what he needs to serve others. Which is one of the things that I got from the book.
I have to write a paper over this book and what I learned from this book so here is sort of what I am going to write my paper about. What I learned most from this book was that we all need stop thinking about ourselves so much and have a much more Jean Valjean attitude of life. After experiencing so much Jean Valjean turns into such a nice man. Even though he is in constant danger of being found out, he doesn't only think about himself and his needs.
I really don't want to go into extreme detail on how amazing this book is because you should read it and find out for yourself. It will have different importance and meaning to everyone. The message that I got from it may be different from the message you get. So you have to read it and find out how this book written so many years ago still applies to today. And trust me it does apply. Great fiction never loses meaning, it is able to transend time and remain applicable to world years later.
READ THIS BOOK!!! I am serious right now. It doesn't matter with version you read, abridged ot unabridged. But READ IT!!
Enjoy!
Lindsey
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