1993 (New Version)

Author: (French) Victor Hugo, translated by Ye Zun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Les Misérables is Hugo's last long novel, fully showcasing the author's exceptional writing artistry and touching humanitarian ideals. The entire book is filled with climaxes and gripping moments. Les Misérables is the last long novel of Victor Hugo, the renowned French Romanticist master in the world of literature. In the novel, Hugo portrays three central characters: the Count of La Mole, a leader of the Vendean rebels; his nephew, General Javert, who suppresses the rebellion; and Siméon Thenardier, Javert's former teacher and a special envoy of the Committee of Public Safety. A complex plot unfolds around them, vividly depicting the life-and-death struggle between the bourgeoisie and feudal forces. In the end: the Count of La Mole, who survives death, returns to the burning castle at the cost of his conscience to rescue three children; Javert, moved by his uncle's humanitarian spirit, willingly gives his own life to save the Count; and Siméon Thenardier takes his own life by shooting himself at the moment Javert is executed. Les Misérables can be said to be the ultimate manifestation of Hugo's writing artistry and humanitarian spirit.