Les Miserables: Radio Dramatization

by Victor Hugo

When poverty drives Jean Valjean to steal a loaf of bread from a baker's window, it is an action which will haunt him for the rest of his life. A citizen of post-revolutionary France, he is suffers nineteen years hard labor. On his release, his fortunes change after an encounter with a saintly bishop. He becomes a respectable businessman and member of society - and yet his past continues to dog him in the form of the sadistic Inspector Javert, who seems determined to pursue Valjean to the grave.

Genres: Audiobook, Classics

Unbound

Published January 1, 2002

About the author

After Napoleon III seized power in 1851, French writer Victor Marie Hugo went into exile and in 1870 returned to France; his novels include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831) and Les Misérables (1862).

This poet, playwright, novelist, dramatist, essayist, visual artist, statesman, and perhaps the most influential, important exponent of the Romantic movement in France, campaigned for human rights. People in France regard him as one of greatest poets of that country and know him better abroad.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Dramatisation of the classic novel by Victor Hugo set in France around the time of the Revolution, featuring Joss Ackland.

Since I don't remember how many times I've already read this book, I decided to listen to this magnificent BBC dramatization. However I won't dare to watch to the recent Hollywood's movie since Gerard Depardieu is the perfect character for the personification of Jean Valjean.

[Johnny Roastbeef · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well produced dramatisation that is both effective and well adapted. However, I do wonder if I’ll ever come across an adaptation of this story that ventures into the seemingly sparse use of the French accent. An overindulgence of the ‘cockney’ twang can at times feel as though you are listening to Oliver Twist.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cool to hear this radio rendition! I loved it! I'm inspired to finish this huge novel.

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://abbiereviews.blogspot.com/2013...
Ahhhh....this audio book was amazing!! I was wondering how to introduce this classic without overwhelming my children by handing them the unabridged version that this bookworm fell in love with at the age of 14. And this came up for review!!

The actors were perfect! My children were captivated as they sat with pen, paper, and colored pencils sketching and journaling their impressions of the story. Finally a way to delve into a classic without without being overwhelmed. This offered the opportunity for my children to picture the story in their mind first. I was sadly not impressed with the movie so this audio version was perfect. My children laughed and cried with the characters and talked about the many symbolic things and under currents of the book. It opened the opportunity to explore the social and political climate of that time and discuss the ultimate impact of grace, mercy and love.

Thank you Tyndale for this review copy.

[wistfullly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in elementary school reading this just for pleasure. This book seriously attracts attention. The librarian gave me weird looks and now so do my teachers.
I saw the musical and fell in love.
I do not admire the character Cosette. She's so unrelatable and perfect and beautiful and modest.
I prefer Eponine's character more because she's more realistic, relatable and she was portrayed by a REALLY talented thespian in the musical! I really like the book so far even though i have to arm myself with a dictionary at all times.
I reccomend Les Miserables to pretty much anyone who likes to read and has a wide attention span! :)

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love a good radio dramatization.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was as wonderful as I expected, but the dramatization was a hard adjustment.