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Les Miserables
Marcia Williams retells one of the greatest novels of all time in her trademark accessible, highly illustrated style. A wonderful introduction to Victor Hugo's epic tale of injustice, love and heroism in 19th century France. The story follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, as he tries to put his criminal past behind him. Will he manage to escape from the ruthless Police Inspector Javert, who is determined to see him behind bars again? Can he build a life with Cosette, an orphaned girl he has rescued from poverty and neglect? When Cosette grows up and falls in love with the handsome Marius Pontmercy, will Jean Valjean let Cosette go? Or will the revolution that is sweeping through the streets of Paris tear all their lives apart?Please ask if you need a specific version. The data provided here may not be correct. With buying and not asking you are accepting the book as is.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2015
1 person is currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Williams
74 books50 followersMarcia Williams began to develop her distinctive comic-book style at an early age: "When I was about ten and wrote home to my family from boarding school," she says, "I never wrote normal letters. I tried to tell my family about what I was doing in a way that was more fun. Also, my parents didn't let me read comic books, so I decided to create my own."
This former nursery school teacher blends her storytelling skills and humorous illustrations with well-known figures and stories from literature. Her unique style has produced such vivid works and action-packed books as GOD AND HIS CREATIONS: TALES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT. "Working on the Old Testament was a joy," Marcia Williams says. "The tales are so rich, it is always possible to find something new within them. Yet, at the same time, they have all the comfort of the familiar." The artist also found pleasure in creating CHARLES DICKENS AND FRIENDS, which presents five retellings of classic Dickens tales. Of her inspiration for this book, she tells of a teacher she once had "who was extremely fierce and angry . . . except when she read the stories of Charles Dickens aloud. Through her, all his characters lived, and I was transported to their Victorian world. I hope that readers will also enter the wonderful world of Charles Dickens through this book."
With BRAVO, MR. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE! and TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE Marcia Williams introduces young readers to the world of William Shakespeare's plays. Another classic she has made much more accessible to children--and more appreciated by them--is THE ILIAD AND THE ODYSSEY. "My mother read me classics, but until I got older I never found them interesting," she says. "If I could make these stories more accessible, I realized, kids wouldn't have to wait until they were grown-up to appreciate them."
Marcia Williams traveled extensively as a child and was educated in Sussex, England, and Switzerland. During her varied career she has worked as an interior designer and has assisted cartoon artist and designer Gerald Scarfe in making papier-mâché and cloth sculptures.
This former nursery school teacher blends her storytelling skills and humorous illustrations with well-known figures and stories from literature. Her unique style has produced such vivid works and action-packed books as GOD AND HIS CREATIONS: TALES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT. "Working on the Old Testament was a joy," Marcia Williams says. "The tales are so rich, it is always possible to find something new within them. Yet, at the same time, they have all the comfort of the familiar." The artist also found pleasure in creating CHARLES DICKENS AND FRIENDS, which presents five retellings of classic Dickens tales. Of her inspiration for this book, she tells of a teacher she once had "who was extremely fierce and angry . . . except when she read the stories of Charles Dickens aloud. Through her, all his characters lived, and I was transported to their Victorian world. I hope that readers will also enter the wonderful world of Charles Dickens through this book."
With BRAVO, MR. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE! and TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE Marcia Williams introduces young readers to the world of William Shakespeare's plays. Another classic she has made much more accessible to children--and more appreciated by them--is THE ILIAD AND THE ODYSSEY. "My mother read me classics, but until I got older I never found them interesting," she says. "If I could make these stories more accessible, I realized, kids wouldn't have to wait until they were grown-up to appreciate them."
Marcia Williams traveled extensively as a child and was educated in Sussex, England, and Switzerland. During her varied career she has worked as an interior designer and has assisted cartoon artist and designer Gerald Scarfe in making papier-mâché and cloth sculptures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 17, 2024
At the local library I found this comic book retelling Les Misérables, retold and illustrated by Marcia Williams. The prologue--a police notice--works just as well as any play's prologue, letting the audience/citizen know that citizens must obey the law or expect punishment--no leniency will be found.
The narrator in the novel shows us this truth. We the readers of Hugo's novel have a whole long novel to get that idea beaten into our understanding. A reader of a comic book does not, so that horror must be put up like a big signpost.
I found this book enjoyable if looking for a way to remember the novel or one of the movie versions.
The narrator in the novel shows us this truth. We the readers of Hugo's novel have a whole long novel to get that idea beaten into our understanding. A reader of a comic book does not, so that horror must be put up like a big signpost.
I found this book enjoyable if looking for a way to remember the novel or one of the movie versions.
February 25, 2020
Well this is without a shred of doubt the best Les Mis adaptation I have ever read. It's unbelievably hilarious. I have no idea who the target audience for this is supposed to be, but I have to believe it is me, specifically, because this book is absolutely perfect and I love it. I really want to read the original now...
March 28, 2022
This was a beautifully told version of Les Mis appropriate for children (and families). This is one I’d like to buy. After reading, we had to listen to and sing Les Miserables soundtrack.
April 19, 2023
My boys loved this book!
July 31, 2018
Marcia Williams' adaptation made me want to reread the Brick. Very true to the original, I laughed out loud multiple times (and also cried once). Includes the most hilariously in-character version of Marius. These things alone make this a high quality picture book.
November 17, 2021
I'm one of the few people I know with no experience in the Les Mis realm, sadly. Do I want to read the full book or watch the full play? Not really. But this book gave me a great opportunity to still participate in surface-level conversations about the plot or the characters, which is exactly what I hoped for when I checked out this book. I don't necessarily think it would be worthwhile to read if you have already read/watched it, though.
February 7, 2026
Love this story
February 18, 2025
Cute illustrated kids version of Les Miserables. I've seen the musical multiple times and I've seen different movies but I've never read the book since it's so thick and intimidating. It's a rather dark book for kids but I think Williams handled the adult topics with finesse. It's amazing she was able to cram so much of the original story into such a short book. I'm wondering how much of this story is from the real book and how much was changed due to it being a kids book or maybe the musical and the movie version were the ones that were changed? Now I need to read the real book by Victor Hugo... but not anytime soon.
March 1, 2015
Les Miserables is one of my favorite classics. I love, love, love it. So I was quite excited to receive a review copy of this adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic. What did I think of it? Well, I liked it very much. At the very least, it does as good a job as any movie adaptation I've seen in capturing the story and the characters. So if you're looking to enjoy the story in its most basic form, this picture book adaptation wouldn't be a bad choice. Or, if you're looking to share this one with young readers, perhaps before seeing one of the movies, this one would be a fine choice.
I love the story. I love the characters. And Marcia Williams does a good job at remaining faithful to the story and the characters, of capturing why the story matters. The story is told through narration and dialogue (speech bubbles).
That being said, while it is a much shorter read--I read it in one sitting--it is not as wonderful as the original. One could argue it is more straightforward and focused and that it doesn't ramble. It doesn't have thousands of asides that take readers away from "main" story. But there is something beautiful in the original, even in the rambling. One of the things that I love most about original novel is the richness of it--the beauty of the language, the richness of the writing, the great attention to humanity. That is lost in this adaptation for the most part.
I love the story. I love the characters. And Marcia Williams does a good job at remaining faithful to the story and the characters, of capturing why the story matters. The story is told through narration and dialogue (speech bubbles).
That being said, while it is a much shorter read--I read it in one sitting--it is not as wonderful as the original. One could argue it is more straightforward and focused and that it doesn't ramble. It doesn't have thousands of asides that take readers away from "main" story. But there is something beautiful in the original, even in the rambling. One of the things that I love most about original novel is the richness of it--the beauty of the language, the richness of the writing, the great attention to humanity. That is lost in this adaptation for the most part.
March 30, 2016
Marcia Williams is an author/illustrator known for her comic book style. Using this recognizable style and an approachable storytelling method, Ms. Williams has brought both classics and mythology to a young audience. One of her latest books is Les Misérables, the most famous work by Victor Hugo. I was first exposed to Les Misérables by my wife in the monumental movie that starred Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe. Having seeing that very lengthy movie, I questioned how Ms. Williams was going to make some of the stickier points in the story kid-friendly (primarily Fantine turning into a lady of the night and Javert's suicide). Thankfully, she chose to gloss over these details.
I have to admit that I am not a huge Les Misérables fan, and I only requested this book because I know my wife is a fan. However, this book made the story very approachable, and I enjoyed Ms. Williams illustration style. The text felt a little dry at times and felt more like summary than actual story. My wife also somewhat enjoyed the book, which is saying something, because she usually doesn't enjoy classics in the graphic novel format. She too has never read the original book, so she told me that reading through this version, she realized how much the musical/movie whitewashed some characters, particularly Marius. If you are a fan of Les Misérables and want to share that love with your 8 to 12 year old, then you might want to pick up a copy of this book.
I have to admit that I am not a huge Les Misérables fan, and I only requested this book because I know my wife is a fan. However, this book made the story very approachable, and I enjoyed Ms. Williams illustration style. The text felt a little dry at times and felt more like summary than actual story. My wife also somewhat enjoyed the book, which is saying something, because she usually doesn't enjoy classics in the graphic novel format. She too has never read the original book, so she told me that reading through this version, she realized how much the musical/movie whitewashed some characters, particularly Marius. If you are a fan of Les Misérables and want to share that love with your 8 to 12 year old, then you might want to pick up a copy of this book.
May 16, 2015
Even Victor Hugo might have enjoyed this visual romp thorough his classic story of the French Revolution during the nineteenth century. Imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean tries to make his way through a cruel, uncaring world, finding friendship and compassion in unlikely places. As he tries to thwart the efforts of Police Inspector Javert to arrest him, he also befriends Cosette, historical and personal events play out that will change the lives of everyone. The rise and fall and trials and triumphs of one humble man trying to do the right thing all play out in this graphic novel version of the story. The scenes depicting Valjean's journey through the sewers of Paris are particularly effective even though the story does suffer a bit from its condensation to the point of almost being a sort of "and then...and then...and then" describing the many adventures of this one man and those around him. The watercolor and ink illustrations fill the book's pages with bright colors that depict a period of enormous change in France. Because of its brevity, it's hard to get a firm handle on each of the characters, but this book serves well as an introduction to Les Miserables.
February 18, 2015
This book is something between a picture book and a graphic novel. Marcia Williams does a fairly decent job covering all of the main points of Victor Hugo's original novel of poverty, despair, love and redemption. The pictures are nice and do a good job of portraying the mood of each main story event. The only problem I had with the book is that it reads a bit like a student's book report: "The months went by. Fantine was close to starvation and developed a cough and fever" and "Yet he still had no money, and she had gone away. He tore a page out of his notebook and scribbled a message". The writing is very: this happened, then this happened, then this. It would be difficult to condense a 1200+ page book into 57 pages, so Williams did a fine job with that. but it would have been nice to have more emotion and feeling in the tale. This book is great for younger readers and those who want to know Hugo's story but don't have a lot of time.
March 22, 2016
I won this as an ARC from the publisher, to read with my seven yer old daughter.
This books is beautifully illustrated in watercolours and it is well worded for the young reader. I have allowed my daughter to watch the movie so she can identify with the characters and didn't have much difficulty pronouncing the French names.
We night enjoyed reading it very much and it shall be a favourite that get looked at time and time again. I am glad that books like this are being re-written and at only 7 my daughter is becoming aware of the classics and she has very much enjoyed reading this book.
This books is beautifully illustrated in watercolours and it is well worded for the young reader. I have allowed my daughter to watch the movie so she can identify with the characters and didn't have much difficulty pronouncing the French names.
We night enjoyed reading it very much and it shall be a favourite that get looked at time and time again. I am glad that books like this are being re-written and at only 7 my daughter is becoming aware of the classics and she has very much enjoyed reading this book.
May 3, 2015
A good way to introduce the classic to a young reader. I did enjoy the idea of the story in graphic novel format, although I think there could have been more character dialogue in conjunction with the other text. It's funny because I've seen the live musical, and I feel like I know the story better from this graphic representation than the Broadway play...but then my husband reminded me I was falling asleep in parts!
April 4, 2015
A marvelous and concise pictorial starter for children to a mammoth classic that hopefully will capture their imaginations into adulthood. I found the layout of text and dialogue somewhat confusing. Being a huge fan of the stage musical, it was nice to learn something of the text.
April 27, 2015
I really like Marcia Williams and have loved some of her other comic book adaptations, but this didn’t quite work for me. It is confusing, as a 1000+ page book will be when it is condensed for children! I’m also not sure that the story has a lot of kid appeal.
April 19, 2015
This book cleared up a few details from the movie versions I have watched, bit I realize the full version of the book would give me many more.
June 1, 2016
I get the impulse, but I don't like the illustrations very much, and the story has been simplified in a way that removes a lot of the beauty.
August 4, 2017
Reviewed by Hannah Hom for San Diego Book Review
Jean Valjean was imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry family. When he is released years later, he has the choice to be honest or to go back to his old ways. A kind bishop’s action sets him on the right path. He becomes an honest and successful mayor and businessman, but is constantly faced with temptations to do the wrong thing or to make the wrong choice. Along the way he helps a single mother and her child and those in the French Revolution.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
Jean Valjean was imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his hungry family. When he is released years later, he has the choice to be honest or to go back to his old ways. A kind bishop’s action sets him on the right path. He becomes an honest and successful mayor and businessman, but is constantly faced with temptations to do the wrong thing or to make the wrong choice. Along the way he helps a single mother and her child and those in the French Revolution.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
March 15, 2023
Travel back to nineteenth-century France with ex-convict Jean Valjean as he tries to put his criminal past behind him and his fate intertwines with the ruthless Inspector Javert, determined to put Valjean back behind bars; the poor factory worker Fantine, whose struggle to provide for her child leads to her death; her orphaned daughter, Cosette, whom Valjean saves from poverty and neglect; and Cosette’s besotted suitor, Marius. As a revolution sweeps through Paris, can Valjean elude Javert and secure a happy life for Cosette before all is lost?
December 29, 2019
This was a great retelling of the old story. The pictures weren’t what I would normally expect of a graphic novel but they did the job.
What this story did well was to tell the story in enough detail that the intricacies of the stories were clear and the relationships were understood, but it focussed on those parts which enabled the story to progress well.
There was a lot to enjoy in this book.
What this story did well was to tell the story in enough detail that the intricacies of the stories were clear and the relationships were understood, but it focussed on those parts which enabled the story to progress well.
There was a lot to enjoy in this book.
June 29, 2019
A very good (and easily digestible) version of this epic saga.
Very creative illustrations, and so much detail, even on the borders! (Lots of rats and kittens).
However, the cartoon characters were actually quite ugly. Like, we're supposed to buy Marius and Cosette falling in love at first sight when they look like that!?
Very creative illustrations, and so much detail, even on the borders! (Lots of rats and kittens).
However, the cartoon characters were actually quite ugly. Like, we're supposed to buy Marius and Cosette falling in love at first sight when they look like that!?
February 20, 2024
I, well...Because this is a graphic adaptation, a lot of the emotion that was undoubtedly present in the original book could not be fully felt.
I loved this adaptation nevertheless but now I must try and forget what it was about because it kindled my interest in the original Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
I loved this adaptation nevertheless but now I must try and forget what it was about because it kindled my interest in the original Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.
April 10, 2024
I just read the original and put this one on hold at the same time. It's a great plot summary and makes the story readily accessible to anyone. Excellent for anyone planning to see the musical, since the show is fast-paced and mostly sung. A quick read of this book can provide some background info so the viewer can keep up with the show!
February 17, 2025
One of Williams’ best! Great all-ages introduction to the classic story--or a little deeper dive where the musical is already known.
I read this aloud to my kids and we all enjoyed it; my elder preschooler felt particularly invested in Valjean’s fate. Some tough topics, of course, but it made for good family conversation.
I read this aloud to my kids and we all enjoyed it; my elder preschooler felt particularly invested in Valjean’s fate. Some tough topics, of course, but it made for good family conversation.
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August 7, 2021No idea if it's true to the original. Seemed long... but I suppose it could only be so. I have no interest in original or in performances of it; historical melodrama bores me. At least now I have a sense of what the fuss is about.
November 23, 2018
Another good, short adaptation for kids.
February 24, 2019
Nice graphic novel interpretation of Les Mis.
March 14, 2022
It was just for school :)
But it was an interesting story and the vibes were cool
But it was an interesting story and the vibes were cool
July 3, 2022
Another winner from Marcia Williams
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews