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"Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo
I was inspired to read this 1862 classic after falling in love with the Hugh Jackman musical. I had already been familiar with the Liam Neeson version for several years, but the 2012 musical put this story in another place for me.
This is the story of Jean Valjean, who as a young man was forced of necessity to steal a loaf of bread. For this crime and for various escape attempts, he spent 19 years in prison, emerging a desperate man. Convicts were the worst sort of people in France at this time; mistrusted by everyone and rarely able to find any kind of work at all. To survive he must steal again, but this time his life is changed in a much different way. Upon being captured, the bishop Valjean stole from forgives him and encourages him to find God and live for Him.
With a new outlook, Valjean takes a new name and uses the money from the bishop for very good purposes. He becomes wealthy and successful, even to the point of being mayor of the town. He is loved by everyone because of his generosity and taking care of the ones who work for him.
Then his world tumbles when Inspector Javert, a former prison guard, comes to town and begins to suspect his true identity. A woman who was dismissed from one of his factories also leaves him the care of her young daughter. Valjean must flee everything and find a way to take care of himself and Cosette.
Valjean never stops working for the good of others, and Javert never stops hunting him. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, love, and the fight for liberty. Who does not identify at different times with these characters, The Miserable Ones? Will we allow the work of God to transform us, as Jean Valjean did?
You've perhaps heard that "Les Miserables" has lengthy sections which contain huge departures from the narrative. This is true. Those make for difficulty in sticking with the reading, and therefore this is one of the rare occasions on which I find myself suggesting an abridged version might be an acceptable consideration. Either way, this epic story has resounded in my heart, and I would be remiss if I did not encourage everyone towards this heart-stirring tale. It's a beautiful journey.
This is the story of Jean Valjean, who as a young man was forced of necessity to steal a loaf of bread. For this crime and for various escape attempts, he spent 19 years in prison, emerging a desperate man. Convicts were the worst sort of people in France at this time; mistrusted by everyone and rarely able to find any kind of work at all. To survive he must steal again, but this time his life is changed in a much different way. Upon being captured, the bishop Valjean stole from forgives him and encourages him to find God and live for Him.
With a new outlook, Valjean takes a new name and uses the money from the bishop for very good purposes. He becomes wealthy and successful, even to the point of being mayor of the town. He is loved by everyone because of his generosity and taking care of the ones who work for him.
Then his world tumbles when Inspector Javert, a former prison guard, comes to town and begins to suspect his true identity. A woman who was dismissed from one of his factories also leaves him the care of her young daughter. Valjean must flee everything and find a way to take care of himself and Cosette.
Valjean never stops working for the good of others, and Javert never stops hunting him. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, love, and the fight for liberty. Who does not identify at different times with these characters, The Miserable Ones? Will we allow the work of God to transform us, as Jean Valjean did?
You've perhaps heard that "Les Miserables" has lengthy sections which contain huge departures from the narrative. This is true. Those make for difficulty in sticking with the reading, and therefore this is one of the rare occasions on which I find myself suggesting an abridged version might be an acceptable consideration. Either way, this epic story has resounded in my heart, and I would be remiss if I did not encourage everyone towards this heart-stirring tale. It's a beautiful journey.
"The pupil dilates in the night, and at last finds day in it, even as the soul dilates in misfortune, and at last finds God in it."
-- Les Miserables
-- Les Miserables
