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Diane , Armchair Tour Guide
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rated it 5 stars
Jan 31, 2013 07:56PM
Start discussion here for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
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This book belongs to an era before TV, internet, i-everything. I feared that I would need to be snowed in or bedridden in order to get through it. But I'm loving Hugo's portrait of Monseigneur Bienvenu, the open-minded Bishop (his name means welcome)."There are men who dig for gold; he dug for compassion."
This is one of my beloved novels. Last year was engaged in a slow read (the third that I distinctly remember) on my commute; I'm at 70% of the ebook. I've fallen in love with the old Isabel Hapgood translation, public domain and free -- so much so that I upgraded to a lovely illustrated edition that isn't quite free.
Maybe I should pledge to finish it in February, as I want to get a wriggle on.
I need to get back to it - I got up 'til book 3 last year before I got distracted, now is it staring at me
365 chapters, 955 pages out of 2700+ are estimated to be digressions- moral essays or otherwise. I just don't know if I can convince myself I *want* to read this book. Anyone a fan of the book who has *not* seen the musical or movie? I'm still trying to talk myself into starting it for this group read and finishing this summer with another group that picked it for June or July.
The moral essays/digressions distract from the story, but they provide insight into the period when the book was written. You see the workings of Hugo's mind -- and he was THE great writer of 19th-century France, who lived through all the key events, from the Napoleonic wars through the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, to the Empire of Napoleon III (when he was forced into exile because he criticized the regime), through the Franco-Prussian war, the siege of Paris and the Paris Commune and into the Third Republic. When he died, in 1885, millions of people took to the streets of Paris to follow his funeral cortege. So you read this book not only for the story (which is actually quite moving -- this is why the musical was such a great success, and even the movie, despite the fact that few of the actors could sing!) You read it to get inside the mindset of another age.
AJ wrote: "Anyone a fan of the book who has *not* seen the musical or movie?"That's me! I came very late, and suspiciously, to the musical. It was far less bad than I'd expected. In fact I like the musical -- most of it -- but it's not a patch, not a scruffy knee-patch, on Victor Hugo.
I'm reading it for the third time, but the first two were in heavily abridged editions, and were years ago. Now I'm reading the Julie Rose translation, unabridged. About 1/3 of the way through, I've mostly enjoyed the digressions from the story though it is a little frustrating to be pulled away from Jean Valjean for a time. I do agree they are important for really understanding the time. And Hugo is so good he that what may seem a pointless digression does turn out to have a point. I remember loving the book but as I read I find I remember only the skeleton of the plot. It's a new discovery of an old friend. I love it.I saw the stage musical years ago and did not like it. No desire to see the movie; I am not a big fan of musicals anyway, but this seems too serious a story for that treatment. I know I'm in the minority on this!
I am 30% into the book and I am loving this book. Made me cry today. Making me question my own spiritual journey through this life. This is a must read and I love Victor Hugo's prose. This is a book that makes me think and question my own humanity. This is a powerful piece of work which holds wisdom that is still very relevent today.
Sarah wrote: "Making me question my own spiritual journey through this life. This is a must read and I love Victor Hugo's prose. This is a book that makes me think and question my own humanity."I feel the same way, Sarah. I thought I'd be racing through it, but I want to savor all 1400 (or thereabouts) pages.
AJ wrote: "Anyone a fan of the book who has *not* seen the musical or movie?"Yup! I haven't seen the movie or the musical.
I read the unabridged version of Les Miserables last year and to be honest, I wouldn't make you feel bad for reading the abridged version.
In my case, I was mostly interested in story of Jean Valjean, Fantine etc. and not really in the historical background of France. I think the abridged version leaves out all the details about that time and focuses more on the story :)
Thanks for all the feedback! Stays on my TBR and I'll see if I can meet my original goal of starting with this group and finishing in the summer with the other group. Sounds like it's worth the time.
Jessica wrote: "... I wouldn't make you feel bad for reading the abridged version.In my case, I was mostly interested in story of Jean Valjean, Fantine etc. and not really in the historical background of France. I think the abridged version leaves out all the details about that time and focuses more on the story :) "
I'm reading it unabridged only because I'd already read abridged versions. And I loved them. But this is a personal challenge I've set for myself.
Better to read an abridged version than not to read at all! It is a wonderful story.
I am reading the Hapgood illustrated unabridged version on my Kindle. I am 38% of the way through, and I am loving every word. I think that the digressions are interesting, too, albeit a bit long. I am in awe of what Hugo has done here. The writing is so beautiful and the story so compelling that I can't believe that I haven't read this before.I doubt that I will finish the book this month. If I can have it completed by the end of March, I will be happy.
I felt the same way at 38% on my Kindle version but I have to say now at 50% I am feeling a little dragging from the rambling at times and at this point in the story I am not as deeply touched as I was earlier in the story. So we will see where it takes us, which I have read will be deep into the sewers in all Victor's glorious detail and history. We will see how I handle that digression.
I am on the cloister digression now. I hope to finish that section tomorrow and then get back to JV.
I am using an audiobook of the Hapgood translation and supplementing with an Ebook of the same translation, mostly for the foreign words and phrases I can't catch via audio. Have just finished Vol 2. I am also enjoying the digressions. Loved the comparison of prisons and cloisters. I like the History parts too, but I do get weary with the excess detail, even though Hugo's inclusion of soooo much detail is impressive. His ability to write a suspenseful story has also impressed me. I too am aiming for a March completion date.
Two-thirds of the way through, and I am beginning to enjoy the digressions. Would Hugo consider them digressions? The Battle of Waterloo is essential to the story - though maybe not in the detail given. Of course every time the story gets back to Jean Valjean I am happy... but it always leads back to him.
No, I bet he didn't, and if we didn't call them digressions we might have a different attitude towards them. It's like the so-called digressions in 'Beowulf', that are integral to the theme. The battle of Waterloo was just fantastic, I thought. Ditto on Jean Valjean, though.
I read it when I was a child and it's my favorite book ^^
I agree, Bryn. So far, each theme has served a purpose. I will have to see whether I feel the same way as I continue reading.
I also enjoyed the battle at Waterloo. I didn't enjoy as much the digressions leading up to Marius. But I now see how they are relevent as well. I am only 50 percent done and right now it is focusing on Marius. I am waiting for my dear Jean to re appear. And I am determined to finish this month. I want to see it in theater before it is too late and want to finish the story first. I am excited to see how the story ties together and ends.
I just hit Volume III, Marius, as well, Sarah. I miss Jean already, too. What an incredible story, and Hugo tells it with such passion and emotion.
Sera wrote: "I just hit Volume III, Marius, as well, Sarah. I miss Jean already, too. What an incredible story, and Hugo tells it with such passion and emotion."Sera,
Are you gonna read The Fault in Our Stars for March for Indiana? I bought the book yesterday. It looks like we are about neck and neck to where we are in the book. I am gonna get my read on right now and see if I can make some more headway. I am enjoying the story again. The cat and mouse stuff is back on.
I am currently on hold for it at the library, Sarah. I intend to listen to The Fault in Are Stars on audio as soon as it becomes available. It is supposed to be excellent!I read Les Miserables during my lunch hour. I average about 3% a day so I will be at it for awhile. I am only 44% into the book so you are pretty far ahead of me. I am going to try read some this weekend though, too, to try to make more progress.
Question for those who have read or are reading the book:Do you feel that the authors detailed "tangents" add to atmosphere of the story or do you feel that they too often take you away from the main story line?
Diane wrote: "Question for those who have read or are reading the book:Do you feel that the authors detailed "tangents" add to atmosphere of the story or do you feel that they too often take you away from the main story line?"
I'm about 3/4 through, and my opinion of the "tangents" has changed. At first I was impatient with them. Now I feel that they definitely add to the story. I haven't found all of them interesting; for example, to me the part about the Battle of Waterloo was overlong. But it was crucial to the story. Other "tangents" have perhaps not been as important but when I stopped fretting over being away from the main story, I started to enjoy them. They really have added to the atmosphere and to my understanding of the time and place.
Of course I adore Jean Valjean and don't like it when he is not part of the story for a time, but it is his story and he will reappear.
Also (and I know this probably sounds so very odd) I have come to feel a bit "disloyal" to Victor Hugo as an author when I take the attitude that any part of the book is unimportant. I've never had that attitude toward an author before. I feel like I need to trust him as the storyteller. Or something like that.
Margaret wrote: "Diane wrote: "Question for those who have read or are reading the book:Do you feel that the authors detailed "tangents" add to atmosphere of the story or do you feel that they too often take you ..."
or the most part I agree
For the most part I agree with Margaret. An English teacher told me the author was also payed per word or page which may have something to do with the long winded tangents but overall these add to the history of the time and Paris and the culture. I find it educational allthough hard to follow some times. Hugo makes multiple profound statements and insights regarding human nature, ones conscious, society, justice, social change and a whole gamut of issues that are still relevent today. Furthermore some of these insigshts and amazing quotes come about imbedded in one of Victor's educational or boring side stories. But if you are really absorbing the enlightenment that comes from the words of Hugo, this book is priceless, a must read, a masterpiece. And the story of Jean Valjean is the entertainment but the deep insights into the human condition and society is what makes this book so important.
This is my first read of the book. I am almost 60% in, and I don't feel that anything should have been omitted. I continue to be in awe of Hugo as a writer and a storyteller. I am enjoying every word of it. I also agree that the context of France at that time provides a wonderful backdrop to the story. I like the way in which Hugo takes the historical and ties it directly into the storyline. It all works and works very well, in my opinion.
This is the first time I have read the book - I have seen the play 3 times and once in French and have always loved the story. I am only 38% in the book and do feel that the tangents are important to the story even though at times i feel like they have dragged on and i want to get back to Jean. But it does help you to truly understand what was going on in history at the time.
75% done. I will finish soon. I just have to say as a mother it is these scenes that have captured my heart and pulled at its strings so deeply. The first was in the beginning when Fantina appeared with her daughter Cossette and she was witnessing Mrs. Thenard whatever playing at a park with her girls. There was something that had touched me so deeply in Victor's words. Then there was some beautiful scenes around when Jean had saved Cossette from the Thenards and they were just developing their new relationship and love for eachother. And last I was most recently touched by the street rat son of Theonards when he was watching out for the two younger street kids - brothers - in the scene where he takes them to the elephant to sleep. I loved this scene. These are absolutely loving and beautiful parts of this book where I was just so profoundly touched.
GRAVOCHE, What a character, one of my favorite of the book. And loving so many of these scenes with Enjolras and Cumbifere (sp?). Adoring the battle of the uprising of the people. I am at 82% finished and thus so is he, my little singing gamin fairy. Will I ever read prose like this again. This is the best book I have read. I just want to take Gravoch in my arms and love him and feed him and care for him just like I wanted to little poor Cosette. But she was saved by Jean Valjean, but Gravoch never having a mother's love yet so independent and brave and angelic. Just had to pause from my reading to commemorate him.
I am reading an almost complete unnabridged version and he is a street kid. He was the third child from the Theanard family, the first son. He grew up on the streets of Paris and would always sing. The other two men are Enjolras and Cumbifere are friends of Marius who are revolutionaries that help lead the revolt in the streets of Paris.
Les Miserables is one of my favourite book of all time.The story has it all: the contrast of noble and deplorable types, love against all odds, revolution, fight for what you believe is right, coincidence, redemption. It give us hope that good things and people can come from the worst situations.
Answering To Diane...
Diane wrote: "Do you feel that the authors detailed "tangents" add to atmosphere of the story or do you feel that they too often take you away from the main story line"
One of the things I love about this book is that Victor Hugo gives the reader the full background of each character. One never has to wonder why a character acts in a certain way. Every reaction of Valjean, Javert, Marius, Fantine makes sense because you as the reader know their history and the way they perceive life.
I finished the book and loved it. This book will be on my all time favorite list forever.It's a shame that I have already read a book set in France, so I won't get challenge credit, but I am really happy nonetheless to have tackled this large, warm and wonderful read.
Sera wrote: "I finished the book and loved it. This book will be on my all time favorite list forever.It's a shame that I have already read a book set in France, so I won't get challenge credit, but I am rea..."
Agreed! I also just finished and feel the same. I had to make myself an "all time favorites" shelf here on goodreads because of this wonderful book! :-)
This has been my favorite book for 30 years, long before the movies or musical (also my favorite musical, of course). I feel the "digressions" greatly enhance the story in that they add such a depth to the character development. I first read an old, full translation from the downtown library; wish I could remember which translation! I read that full version twice before trying an an abridged version, and I'm so glad I did, because had I started with an abridged version I don't know if I would have even liked the novel--that abridged version felt like an entirely different book and author.
I finally finished March 21st. Then I watched the musical, which I didn't like at all. But I also thought of creating a favorites shelf due to this book as well. There is so much to discuss from this book and I need to extract some quotes from the book and give some thoughts on them. I wish I knew how to like cut and paste on the Kindle. This book deserves so much more than how much we all loved it.
I read it several years ago, taking long breaks in between, so I probably didn't "feel" the digressions as much. I just reread it least year, all at once, and still found all of it riveting, though some of the side history a bit tedious. I agree that it all adds a lot to the story, though. A beautiful work, IMO.
