Les Misérables

Written by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables is a sweeping historical novel set in 19th-century France, exploring the struggles of ordinary people living through poverty, injustice, and social upheaval.

The story follows several interconnected lives, most notably Jean Valjean, a man trying to rebuild his life after years of hardship and imprisonment. As he attempts to live honestly, he is constantly pursued by the law and haunted by his past. Alongside him are other deeply woven stories, including a determined police inspector, a struggling mother, and a group of young revolutionaries caught in political unrest.

The novel moves between personal stories and larger historical events, including moments of rebellion in Paris. At its core, it examines questions of justice, redemption, mercy, and whether people can truly change their fate.

Les Misérables is known for its emotional depth, moral complexity, and focus on compassion for society’s most vulnerable.