- New Curriculum Recommended Reading - Classic for Young Apple Readers

Author: Victor Hugo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Les Misérables is hailed as an "encyclopedia of human suffering." Through his tragic experiences and hardships, the convict Jean Valjean harbors resentment towards society and becomes stubborn. Influenced by Bishop Myriel, he comes to experience the truth, goodness, and beauty of humanity. Consequently, he reforms and starts anew. He assumes a new identity and becomes a successful businessman and a respected mayor. Later, his identity is exposed, and he is imprisoned again. To save Cosette, who lives in extreme hardship, he escapes from prison. After raising Cosette to adulthood, he sacrifices himself once more for her happiness by daringly rescuing her lover and quietly retires after their marriage, dying in solitude. The work, with its keen pen, reveals the contradictions and ugliness of society, while singing the brilliance of human nature with full passion.