Les Miserables Publisher: Simon & Schuster

by Monica Kulling

One terrible winter, Jean Valjean steals a loaf of bread to feed his young nieces and nephews. He is caught and put in jail -- for 19 years! When he finally gets out, Jean changes his name and tries to start a new life. But evil Inspector Javert wants him back in jail. As Jean hides from the law, he cares for the sick, the injured, and the poor -- those known as . . .Les Miserables.

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

About the author

Monica Kulling was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. She received a BA in creative writing from the University of Victoria. Monica Kulling has published twenty-six fiction and nonfiction books for children, including picture books, poetry, and biographies. She is best known for introducing biography to children just learning to read and has written about Harriet Tubman, Houdini, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart among others. Monica Kulling lives in Toronto, Canada.

Reviews

[Gabe Herrmann]

A tale of happiness, a tale of mourning. An age of revenge, an age of forgiveness. A journey of sin, a road of redemption. A tale from which one does not emerge the same. As Marius grows, develops, and travels the hard road of life, so quickly, so suddenly, so terribly. The reader is taken through the times of the French people and the struggles in a society in the wake of Napoleon B. Yet, without the journey, there is no benefit. Hugo seems to drag you through certain scenes, only to show you the hope that lies in persevering, trusting God, and showing compassion to man.

Javart, yeah. Who likes him? Yet, isn't he the ultimate "man of the state"? The attitude of Jean towards him is one that creates immense respect from the reader; it's something that the reader would most likely struggle with, and so does Jean. You're a mastermind, Hugo.

Jean. What a man. Without God, nothing, but with God, everything. Isn't that all of us?! Find that person who leads you to God, and then follow God, who leads you to glory.

Marius-- lawyer, deep thinker, a little bit rash? Fascinating character, who is not afraid to apologize, or protect those he loves at the cost of others.

Cossette -- almost hidden, like the gem Jean thinks she is, like the gem he hides her. Not really round, but very deep.

There is so much more that could be said, but with a view that looks back, and reviews the book with a teological, and ontological view, its got so so so many layers. Recommend.

[Eden]

I think I’d prefer reading the unabridged version…

[Sarah Grace]

This book was so well written and the characters had so much depth. I LOVE LOVED it so much. I DOOO HOWEVER FEEL THE NEED TO CREATE a space for people who were a little weirded out by Marius and Cosette. We need to talk about it here saw her at 14 says she’s not very pretty and looks like a little girl. Then he sees her again and he’s like she so womanly marry me please. Then he LITERALLY STALKS HER. Like how is that romantic that he stops eating and is obsessed with her. but we’re supposed to be like it was different times maybe but I’m not convinced . I just kept trying to ignore it but it was a little strange. Then they finally meet and they just make out and then introduce I feel like victor hugo just ate in so many levels that he was too full by the time he got to Cosette and Marius which is honestly fine.

[reese]

was expecting it to be okay but it was a pretty good book

I just hated the assignments my teacher gave along with the chapters 🫩

the writing was very beautiful and deep at times, which I liked