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Les Miserables
Close your eyes and let this powerful music transport you to another time and place. Les Miserables has captivated generations, but with this critically acclaimed Broadway soundtrack, a beautiful story becomes an unforgettable experience. Against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story of escaped convict Jean Valjean and his search for grace and redemption will leave any listener moved by the parallel of God's grace towards us. This dramatic reading of the entire novel along with the dynamic new recordings of five of the most popular songs from the original score will bring this masterpiece of the ages to life once again.
287 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 9, 2012
Typically, I am not a fan of abridged books but this retelling of Hugo's epic novel does retain much of the beauty and depth of the original, which I did read but, honestly, did not enjoy nearly as much as Reimann's work.
The adaptation for "Today's Reader", which I sadly, must admit, I am one, does not feel dumbed down. The themes of grace and redemption are highlighted and developed minus the plethora of words and details.
This is my second reading of Reimann's book, and I will likely read it over and over during my lifetime.
The adaptation for "Today's Reader", which I sadly, must admit, I am one, does not feel dumbed down. The themes of grace and redemption are highlighted and developed minus the plethora of words and details.
This is my second reading of Reimann's book, and I will likely read it over and over during my lifetime.
March 5, 2024
So beautiful, so moving. This story almost has a fairy-tale quality to it, especially in its deep and rich theological symbolism.
This particular edition was given to me in my youth, and I first read it as a teen. I loved it so much that it was a nonnegotiable "keep" in all the after-years of moves and clean-outs. I finally picked it up to read again all these years later and was blown away by its beauty and redemption. In short, it made me weep.
It is so perfect and complete that I have never once felt inclined to tackle an unabridged version (which is most unusual in my habits). Take that as one of the very highest forms of recommendation I can provide. Search out this edition adapted by Jim Reimann, and you'll have a glorious, luminous tale to curl up with and to hand to your teens when you're done.
*Note: I have never (yet) seen a Broadway performance or movie adaptation of this story, so I have no inkling of similarities or differences between those and this book. Based on some themes in the book, though, I surmise that there could easily be sexual content in performance versions which I would not be surprised if Broadway and Hollywood took advantage of.
For those who care, just know that issues of that sort in the book (i.e. Fantine and the prostitution she resorted to out of desperation) were treated very tastefully and demurely, with compassion and pity. There was nothing graphic, no scenes, no descriptions. I had no concerns with it, and have not hesitated to let my teens read it. I cannot speak to other editions, however, and do not know how similar (or dissimilar) this version is to other editions, or what others may detail that this one does not.
*Last note on content: abuse of a child in several instances, woman sells her teeth and hair and becomes a "lady of the night," a girl tries to act seductively towards a man she likes, some violence, someone is burned with a hot poker, a bloody battle scene with wounded and dead, a child is killed, someone is shot fatally and final moments are described, someone commits suicide by drowning, several people die and their last moments described.
This particular edition was given to me in my youth, and I first read it as a teen. I loved it so much that it was a nonnegotiable "keep" in all the after-years of moves and clean-outs. I finally picked it up to read again all these years later and was blown away by its beauty and redemption. In short, it made me weep.
It is so perfect and complete that I have never once felt inclined to tackle an unabridged version (which is most unusual in my habits). Take that as one of the very highest forms of recommendation I can provide. Search out this edition adapted by Jim Reimann, and you'll have a glorious, luminous tale to curl up with and to hand to your teens when you're done.
*Note: I have never (yet) seen a Broadway performance or movie adaptation of this story, so I have no inkling of similarities or differences between those and this book. Based on some themes in the book, though, I surmise that there could easily be sexual content in performance versions which I would not be surprised if Broadway and Hollywood took advantage of.
For those who care, just know that issues of that sort in the book (i.e. Fantine and the prostitution she resorted to out of desperation) were treated very tastefully and demurely, with compassion and pity. There was nothing graphic, no scenes, no descriptions. I had no concerns with it, and have not hesitated to let my teens read it. I cannot speak to other editions, however, and do not know how similar (or dissimilar) this version is to other editions, or what others may detail that this one does not.
*Last note on content: abuse of a child in several instances, woman sells her teeth and hair and becomes a "lady of the night," a girl tries to act seductively towards a man she likes, some violence, someone is burned with a hot poker, a bloody battle scene with wounded and dead, a child is killed, someone is shot fatally and final moments are described, someone commits suicide by drowning, several people die and their last moments described.
November 11, 2020
I feel a bit guilty reading the abridged version, but Hugo did make Les Mis into 48 books of rambling tangents (which who has the time for?), so I doubt I would have been entertained slogging through all of that. Reimann’s adaption was exactly the right length and filtered the necessary plot lines. A good option if you’re intimidated or simply can’t be bothered to read the entirety of the full text (365 chapters!!!)
October 20, 2026
I forgot how much I love this story. Can't wait to teach it to my students!
October 9, 2016
I love this story~ in all it's forms it's always been so emotionally inspiring! It's always given me the kind of intense feelings of affection and connection with the characters that my heart spills open every time. That's how I felt about the musical and film adaptions, anyway....I'm sorry to say that the book left me feeling pretty indifferent. Maybe I know the story too well that nothing surprised me? It seemed that the translation was SO literal that it completely left out the rich artistry and poetic airs that I so much enjoyed in The Hunchback of Norte Dame. Here, the language is over-simplified~ I read the word "totally" so many times it became an infuriatingly repetitive little nuisance, like a biting bug stuck in my sweater. The words read like a food that's been so over-processed that it's become fake, void of nutritional benefit.
But again, I might be too harsh, having grown up with the characters and story so defined in my mind already, and the original book apparently spanned over many tomes in length. I feel it's been too condensed, too "processed", but it's still a beautifully heart-wrenching story.
But again, I might be too harsh, having grown up with the characters and story so defined in my mind already, and the original book apparently spanned over many tomes in length. I feel it's been too condensed, too "processed", but it's still a beautifully heart-wrenching story.
May 17, 2017
Wow. Just, wow. Incredible.
Like many others, I usually don't like abridged versions of classic books. However, never having read the original, I enjoyed this immensely. Someday I'd like to read the original version, but for now, this version has me in love with the story. It's got likable, relatable characters and a captivating plot, and Reimann really brings out the themes of grace and redemption.
After reading this book, I found the musical. Which, I must say, was also incredible, but being a show, it has time limits, so it can't go into the story as much as the book does. I love how the book has so much more backstory and ties all the characters together - particularly Marius and Thenardier. This is an incredibly powerful story, and everyone should read it.
Like many others, I usually don't like abridged versions of classic books. However, never having read the original, I enjoyed this immensely. Someday I'd like to read the original version, but for now, this version has me in love with the story. It's got likable, relatable characters and a captivating plot, and Reimann really brings out the themes of grace and redemption.
After reading this book, I found the musical. Which, I must say, was also incredible, but being a show, it has time limits, so it can't go into the story as much as the book does. I love how the book has so much more backstory and ties all the characters together - particularly Marius and Thenardier. This is an incredibly powerful story, and everyone should read it.
March 28, 2022
An edge of your seat story of Jean Valjean and his triumph over hardship and rejection into grace and redemption. After 19 years in jail for stealing bread to feed his family, turned away from shelter, food, and safety until a kindly priest took him in. The priest’s one stipulation was to use the silver and candlesticks to become an honest man. He continues, “Jean Valjean, My brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. I have bought your soul from you. I take it back from evil thoughts and deeds and the spirit of hell, and I give it to God.” This updated version is much easier to read than the original Victor Hugo. Highly recommended
February 1, 2016
The only good thing about this edited version is the binding style- (which isn't saying much once you realise many books are published like this in the States!). Jim Reimann, in his Christrian faith has stripped the book of its feeling- I mean, Fantane would never do THAT! Even in their utmost desperation. No good Christian ever would, right?
Go buy the original full text and get the full feeling...
Go buy the original full text and get the full feeling...
February 12, 2019
Good retelling, the second time I have read it - my son and I tried the unabridged version about 20 years ago, and were bogged down in the extraneous detail that happens when a writer is paid by the word, and in an era with more time to read long tomes. We found an abridged version and enjoyed it. This book was at a thrift store. I saw the movie of the musical, and though it was good, it only made me want to reread the book.
June 21, 2011
This was a great edition to a very long book! I will be going to see the play again and taking my daughter for the first time. I wanted to review the story line before going to see the play and this edition did the trick. I think it will be a great way to introduce my daughter to the story as well.
July 27, 2018
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, following the suspense of Jean Valjean's story, becoming Madeleine, and meeting Cosette. I did not enjoy the story of Marius as much and felt that elements became overly dramatic towards the end. Overall, a wonderful story about forgiveness and leading a righteous life.
October 9, 2010
Hands down the most beautiful fiction story I've ever read! Good versus evil at it's finest!
I have not read the full version of Les Mis nor seen the film or the musical, so I cannot compare this book to those, however compared to other fiction novels, this one stands on it's own.
I have not read the full version of Les Mis nor seen the film or the musical, so I cannot compare this book to those, however compared to other fiction novels, this one stands on it's own.
January 23, 2013
Sensacional este clásico, una lectura muy humana y recomendable en todo sentido, salvo para quien le da roña la literatura que sea demasiado sensible o dramática. Pero un clásico en todo sentido vaya.
September 29, 2008
Not only the best show ever on Broadway, (sorry Phantom, you come in a close second!) but possibly the best love story of sacrifice, trust, forgiveness and loyalty ever dreamed up by a human being!
August 13, 2009
March 2011.
Read
February 20, 2010This is a much needed condensed version for modern readers. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2010
totally amazing!
February 18, 2011
Probably the best book I read in high school. I read the whole thing in a weekend (which back then was crazy-talk!)
May 6, 2011
Even though I borrowed the adapted version, it was still a really good book. I plan on reading the unabridged/unadapted version this summer.
July 9, 2011
It's a great story...and an easy read with this adapted version.
November 21, 2012
I've read the long version once but this abbreviated version many times.
December 13, 2012
I thought it was good. There were a lot of ups and downs. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse it did. I'm glad I read it.
December 17, 2012
Best book ever! Every time I read ths story I am captivated. Hugo is a genius and Valjean is my hero.
February 8, 2013
It's a great "readers digest" version of the original book and is much better than the movie. It fills gaps that the movie left open.
July 17, 2013
An incredibly moving read. My husband and I loved every moment we spent together reading this. A fabulous abridgment.
August 14, 2014
A beautiful book about the goodness of God and the power of love. It has very heart wrenching moments that bring many emotions, but it's just too good not to read.
January 29, 2016
Victor Hugo is an absolute genius! I love'd this book so much!
December 29, 2017
I have read this book many times. It is a great example of God’s grace and mercy. Each time I read it, I aspire to have more integrity and grace.
July 28, 2019
Absolutely loved it! Made the story easy to read. Will read this more than once.
July 23, 2020
Easy to read, young adult version of the Victor Hugo classic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews