Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

At the end of last year, Historical Tapestry hosted a readalong of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. While I didn't get the book read in time to post about it by the time the readalong finished, I did finish it last week! I felt very accomplished when I closed that book I can tell you!

Anyway, Bree from All the Books I Can Read had a discussion about the book and touched on things like the movie, the tangents (oh the tangents), the translations and more.

Normally I cross post my reviews here, but it is a bit hard to do that with a discussion. If you are interested in seeing our thoughts though you can read the first half of the discussion on my blog and the second part on Bree's blog!

I have two more discussion style reviews that I will be doing the ssame kind of linking for too!

Les Miserables Read-along: the end

Our read-along was supposed to end yesterday and, as I suspected, I didn't manage to finish the book (I still have about 200 pages to go !). Those interested can always return to the week posts and leave some thoughts or the link to a review.

Right now I'm reading about Cosette's wedding and thinking about everything she and Jean Valjean went through. A very emotional moment !

What did you like and dislike in Les Misérables ?

If you could what would you change in the book ?

Do you have a favourite quote ?

This was such a wonderful opportunity to reread Les Misérables. A big thanks to those who participated!

Les Miserables Read-along: third week

After three weeks reading Les Misérables, I'm completely immersed in the story.

My love for Jean Valjean continues to grow, even if I'm enjoying every scene with the dashing young Marius. Right now I'm feeling a bit sad about Eponime feelings towards him... She tries really hard, but she never stood a chance. I always wanted something good to happen to her, in the end. How do you feel about her ?

Also, what do you think of the Thénardiers as the villains of the story ? Or are they too cliché ?

This week I also decided to watch the 1998 movie with Liam Neeson who played my favourite Jean Valjean until now. Same for Geoffrey Rush who was a very interesting Javert. Do you have a favourite version ?

Les Miserables Read-along: second week

This week while talking about Les Misèrables with some friends, one of them complained about Hugo's sometimes a little too long asides about the political and social context of the story and how those could become a bit distracting. Do you agree with this opinion ? Are those asides too much or not enough ?

One of the characters that intrigues me the most is Javert. How do you feel about him ? He starts as the insufferable and fanatic police inspector, but we can slowly see some signs of change...

What's your favourite scene of the week ?

Les Miserables Read-along: first week

Here we are after a week reading Les Misérables. Thank you to all those who join this read-along, it's always so much more fun when you read a book like this with other people who share your curiosity and love for books.

First of all, what made you read this book in the first place ?

Until now, who is your favourite character and why ?

Is there a special scene that really strike you this week ?


Have fun and see you Sunday the 2nd December !

Les Miserables Read-along: are you ready ?

I don't know if you are feeling just like me right now: intimidated and excited. Intimidated because I started doubting that I could read this book in less than a month (but then I thought that we are doing this for fun, so no need to feel any pressure); excited because I know it will be fantastic to read it all over again!

Anyway, we'll meet every weekend to talk about how things are going on and just exchange thoughts. Those who are interested to discuss a particular aspect of the book or ask a specific question to the other readers, you can send them to us by email and we'll publish it under your name during our weekend chat.

historical . tapestry @ gmail . com

(without the spaces)

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Now, to start our Read-along, I was wondering which edition of Les Misérables everyone else chose. This is the first time I'm going to read an English translation and I confess that I was a bit lost about the abridged and unabridged editions. I finally decided to go with this one:

Translator: Julie Rose
Publisher: Modern Library, 2008

To participate in our Read-along don't forget to leave your blog/tumblr/facebook/website address in our Mr Linky.

Let the Les Misérables Read-along 2012 begin !

Announcing: The Les Miserables Read-along

To celebrate the release of a new adaptation of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, we decided to organise a Read-along and use this as an excuse to reread or read for the first time this wonderful story.

Before starting this new adventure, we wanted to ask you what English translations of The Miserables one should read ? Any suggestions ?

More details will be posted soon, so stay tuned ! Meanwhile, we leave you with the trailer of the upcoming movie: