My Introduction to Les Misérables


Age appropriate for: Ages 12 and up
Description: The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.
For years I have heard about Les Misérables. This year, with the new movie, I feel like I have heard of little else. People I hardly know rave about the musical, friends would talk at length about other movie versions and how the new one would compare, and my family has puzzled over what all the hype is about. We asked each other a question that shocked my friends; What is Les Misérables?
Thank you Tyndale House for offering review copies of Focus on the Family Radio Theater’s production. I ordered it to listen to over the holidays, not sure really what to expect. Most trendy stories that I have read/watched/listened to I didn’t like, so I had very low expectations for this story.
One evening my sister and were working, and we decided to start listening to Les Misérablesthinking we would just listen to one disc and then go to bed. That didn’t happen. It was very late when we finished the third disk. Both of us were touched deeply by the story and understood why others loved this story of redemption, faith, and second chances.
Focus on the Family Radio Theater had an incredible cast, background music, and realistic sound effects. The production was top notch, as all Focus on the Family Radio Theater productions are.
There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this story. I can’t wait to listen to it again. It will definitely become a favorite.
I highly recommend this for anyone 12 and up (because a child dies, and some other minor violence).
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Published on January 02, 2013 10:15
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message 1: by Alicia (new)

Alicia Willis Sounds great! I've wanted to listen to this for years!


message 2: by Joshua (last edited Jan 03, 2013 09:18AM) (new)

Joshua This has been my favorite Focus On The Family Radio Theatre drama next to Bonhoeffer: The Cost Of Freedom. But alas, I just found out this morning that cd #3 was pillaged, and has a nice sized crack running through it. :(


message 3: by Alicia (new)

Alicia Willis Oh, dear! You mean Bonhoeffer, correct? You may borrow mine any time you want it.


message 4: by Joshua (new)

Joshua No, the Les Mis cd has a crack much to my chagrin. Thank-you for the offer Alicia!


message 5: by Alicia (new)

Alicia Willis Oh, so that's both of them that do not work! Yikes. (Or, at least, Kelsey told me that Bonhoeffer doesn't work.) Well, either way, my offer still stands!


message 6: by Rachelle (new)

Rachelle Raymond It sounds like I should listen to it! We have had it for the longest time. I just finished reading the non abridged version last year and fell in love with the book! It is a favorite!! I think I will listen to it now!! Thank you!!


message 7: by Joshua (new)

Joshua Alicia wrote: "Oh, so that's both of them that do not work! Yikes. (Or, at least, Kelsey told me that Bonhoeffer doesn't work.) Well, either way, my offer still stands!"

Ok, thank-you!


message 8: by Joshua (new)

Joshua I think the radio drama sticks closer to the book then the movies do. (No surprise there!) It's definitely a powerful redemptive story and the radio drama brings it all to life.


message 9: by Sarah (new)

Sarah Rachelle wrote: "It sounds like I should listen to it! We have had it for the longest time. I just finished reading the non abridged version last year and fell in love with the book! It is a favorite!! I think ..."

So if I were to listen to it, does it count as having pretty much read the book? I'm still rather intimidated by the size of that thing... *sigh*.


message 10: by Rachelle (new)

Rachelle Raymond Sarah wrote: "Rachelle wrote: "It sounds like I should listen to it! We have had it for the longest time. I just finished reading the non abridged version last year and fell in love with the book! It is a fav..."

uuuummm, I will have to think about that. Don't be intimidated!!! The chapters are super short and it is easy to read!! Are you enjoying it??


message 11: by Joshua (new)

Joshua Sarah wrote: "Rachelle wrote: "It sounds like I should listen to it! We have had it for the longest time. I just finished reading the non abridged version last year and fell in love with the book! It is a fav..."

Read the book! There is so much left out by the radio drama. Believe me, it's worth it!


message 12: by Rachelle (new)

Rachelle Raymond Joshua wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Rachelle wrote: "It sounds like I should listen to it! We have had it for the longest time. I just finished reading the non abridged version last year and fell in love with the book..."

You won't be sorry Sarah!!! :)


message 13: by Sarah (new)

Sarah Wow... I guess I should read the book! ;) hehe! I was actually kidding, although it is seriously tempting! I've seen several versions of the movie, but mom is always saying that they end it wrong, so my curiosity is peaked enough to tackle all those pages... all... those... pages..... *sigh*. It just might be a year or two before I conquer them. ;) Just kidding. I'll do my best! :)


message 14: by Rachelle (new)

Rachelle Raymond I know you can do it!! I am such a slow reader and I finished it!! I beleive in you!!!


message 15: by Sarah (new)

Sarah Haha! Thanks. :) I shall persevere then! :)


message 16: by Rachelle (new)

Rachelle Raymond I will root for ya!! :)


message 17: by Bethany (new)

Bethany Baldwin I got this too. I've heard it before, but thought it would be nice to listen to again. I do enjoy most of the musical, except for the profanity in some scenes. I'm actually hoping to be in a musical performance without all the profanity. I love the musical without it.


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