Les Miserables Part One: Fantine

[Reggia]

On the first page we find this,

"Be it true or false, what is said about men often has as much influence upon their lives, and especially upon their destinies, as what they do."

Going on to read of Myrie's 15,000 franc salary, and how he disposes of it... certainly says much about a man, and I am curious to know what influence that brings upon his life.

But back to Charly's prompt: These chapters seemed to me.....

[Reggia]

Yes, quite literally, page 1. It seems the entire first chapter was devoted to building the character of our good bishop of which the wit and wisdom are astounding -- makes me want to understand Hugo himself.

My version had words I'd never heard of, words I've heard but not often used as well as phrases in French and Latin. A whole book could be written on these alone.

[Yvonne]

I just finished chapter three Reggia. I am most certainly enjoying Hugo' s witty writing. With spoiling anything, the donkey moment is pure gold.
This is one of those reads where a dictionary comes handy.

[Reggia]

Understood.

It's not often that I've found myself absorbed in a book immediately, but it is so this time.

Any thoughts on these first two chapters/books?

[Yvonne]

regarding first five chapters in general

I have decided that the bishop is Mary Poppins in disguise (or at least a very close relative), "practically perfect in every way."

[Reggia]

One portion that was a page-turner was M Madeleine going back and forth as to whether or not he would go into the court and reveal himself as Jean Valjean... quite agonizing for him, and fearful for me.
At that moment, I wanted him to continue doing goodwill... especially for Fantine, sick literally with disease and figuratively with her desire to have Cosette with her again. Yet, we know his new code of honor includes honesty.

Considering these conflicting thoughts/feelings while reading, it seems that Hugo has done well in helping us to identify with the protagonist at this point of the story.