An engrossing and tantalizing story interlaced with a fascinating description of early 19th century Paris. This is a classic example of the breadth and depth that literature can achieve that is unavailable to any other art form.

This book has beautiful prose, great dialogue, and embracing stories. It is hard to believe a man wrote this all down with quill and scrolls. What an achievement! I am proud a fellow human being could write these volumes.

Like perhaps no other book, Les Miserables has moved me. Even in his (sometimes long) tangents, Hugo weaves an emotionally compelling narrative that brings a unique richness and depth. For example, much of Volume II is dedicated to the Battle of Waterloo - an event that is only indirectly relevant to the story, but which is so beautifully depicted and which provides the setting for the later revolutions and insurrections that are critical components of the plot. This book tells of change and redemption without being preachy, and, more than 100 years later, is still a powerful reminder of the need to care for the poor and downtrodden. This book clearly communicates a moral message without becoming an odious and heavy-handed messenger. Don't let the length deter you. It is beautiful, moving, and worth every minute. This has become my favorite book.