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Les Misérables: High School Edition
An ideal version of the classic tale for those who want to enjoy the book and finish it in a few days. Enjoy all the plot lines and vivid descriptions of the characters and the revolution without getting bogged down in the battle of Waterloo or the construction of the Sewers of Paris.
369 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 20, 2025
⭐️6
Pre-Review:
“When we are at the end of life, to die means to go away; when we are at the beginning, to go away means to die.”
This book blew me away!
When I was little I read a super simple and short version of this book but now to have upgraded to a more complex and accurate version is amazing!
This book was so beautiful and I loved the concept! Totally a new favorite!
CHARACTERS:
Jean Valjean - he’s cool. He’s sweet.
Cosette - literally the sweetest character ever! She’s my favorite!!
Marius - he’s amazing! Such a great young man!!
Javert - he’s very devoted!
Fantine - she’s cool. I feel bad for her though
QUESTIONS:
Do I recommend?
I believe that this book is one that every person should read at least once in their life.
Do I want to own this book?
I own it on my kindle
Would I want/let my mom read it?
She loves this book!
Would it make a good movie?
It already is!
QUOTES:
• …so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.
• “The beautiful is as useful as the useful.” He added, after a moment’s silence, “Perhaps more so.”
• This is not my house; it is the house of Christ. It does not ask any comer whether he has a name, but whether he has an affliction. You are suffering; you are hungry and thirsty; be welcome.
What need have I to know your name?
Besides, before you told me, I knew it." The man opened his eyes in astonishment:
"Really? You knew my name?"
"Yes," answered the bishop, "your
name is my brother."
• This was the second white vision he had seen. The bishop had caused the dawn of virtue on his horizon; Cosette evoked the dawn of love.
• “He who is escaping never coughs and never sneezes.”
• To behold death is terrifying, an to see resurrection is even more so.
• The power of a glance has been so much abused in love stories that it has come to be disbelieved in. Few people dare now to say that two beings have fallen in love because they have looked at each other.
Yet it is in this way that love begins, and in this way only.
• “When we are at the end of life, to die means to go away; when we are at the beginning, to go away means to die.”
• In the spring of 1832 Paris resembled a piece artillery, loaded and ready to fire, just waiting for a spark to ignite the fuse.
• Like everything that is bitter, mourning may turn into revolt.
• Mobs, as we know, are like snowballs, and gather a heap of random men as they roll.
• There is scarcely anything else in the world but that: to love one another.
• He sleeps, although his fate was very strange He lived for his angel, and died when she was gone His death came to pass simply As the night comes when the day is gone.
First and Last Lines
1st - So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilization, artificially creates hells on earth; so long as the three problems of the age--the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of woman by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night--are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.
Last - He sleeps, although his fate was very strange He lived for his angel, and died when she was gone His death came to pass simply As the night comes when the day is gone.
Pre-Review:
“When we are at the end of life, to die means to go away; when we are at the beginning, to go away means to die.”
This book blew me away!
When I was little I read a super simple and short version of this book but now to have upgraded to a more complex and accurate version is amazing!
This book was so beautiful and I loved the concept! Totally a new favorite!
CHARACTERS:
Jean Valjean - he’s cool. He’s sweet.
Cosette - literally the sweetest character ever! She’s my favorite!!
Marius - he’s amazing! Such a great young man!!
Javert - he’s very devoted!
Fantine - she’s cool. I feel bad for her though
QUESTIONS:
Do I recommend?
I believe that this book is one that every person should read at least once in their life.
Do I want to own this book?
I own it on my kindle
Would I want/let my mom read it?
She loves this book!
Would it make a good movie?
It already is!
QUOTES:
• …so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.
• “The beautiful is as useful as the useful.” He added, after a moment’s silence, “Perhaps more so.”
• This is not my house; it is the house of Christ. It does not ask any comer whether he has a name, but whether he has an affliction. You are suffering; you are hungry and thirsty; be welcome.
What need have I to know your name?
Besides, before you told me, I knew it." The man opened his eyes in astonishment:
"Really? You knew my name?"
"Yes," answered the bishop, "your
name is my brother."
• This was the second white vision he had seen. The bishop had caused the dawn of virtue on his horizon; Cosette evoked the dawn of love.
• “He who is escaping never coughs and never sneezes.”
• To behold death is terrifying, an to see resurrection is even more so.
• The power of a glance has been so much abused in love stories that it has come to be disbelieved in. Few people dare now to say that two beings have fallen in love because they have looked at each other.
Yet it is in this way that love begins, and in this way only.
• “When we are at the end of life, to die means to go away; when we are at the beginning, to go away means to die.”
• In the spring of 1832 Paris resembled a piece artillery, loaded and ready to fire, just waiting for a spark to ignite the fuse.
• Like everything that is bitter, mourning may turn into revolt.
• Mobs, as we know, are like snowballs, and gather a heap of random men as they roll.
• There is scarcely anything else in the world but that: to love one another.
• He sleeps, although his fate was very strange He lived for his angel, and died when she was gone His death came to pass simply As the night comes when the day is gone.
First and Last Lines
1st - So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilization, artificially creates hells on earth; so long as the three problems of the age--the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of woman by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night--are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.
Last - He sleeps, although his fate was very strange He lived for his angel, and died when she was gone His death came to pass simply As the night comes when the day is gone.
February 23, 2021
BEST BOOK EVER!!! MAKES ME LOVE THE FILM EVEN MORE!!!
January 31, 2023
There’s nothing I love more than reading about all my favorite characters dying in depressing ways for 365 pages.
October 26, 2025
This edition was a great one. It offered ways to fill in the gaps in the musical. By including these details, it brings the themes into greater clarity. Thanks to my book club for the reason to read it.
May 10, 2026
I had to write a paper on this book, so I am putting that as my review
Christ Symbols
Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo abridged by Matt Larsen, is a beautiful story that shows that people can change, and that love, forgiveness and sacrifice matter more than one’s past. A theme that you can find throughout this story is Christ-like sacrifices and symbols. This theme is shown when Bishop Myriel shows mercy to Jean Valjean, when Jean Valjean transforms himself and when Eponine sacrifices herself and gets nothing in reward.
One excellent example of Christ-like sacrifice is Bishop Myriel. Jean Valjean asks so many for help but Bishop Myriel is the only one who lets Jean Valjean in to eat and rest. “The bishop, who was sitting near him, touched his hand gently and said: ‘You didn’t need to tell me who you are. This is not my house; it is the house of Christ. It does not ask any comer whether he has a name, but whether he has an affliction. You are suffering; you are hungry and thirsty; be welcome. What need have I to know your name? Besides, before you told me, I knew it. [Later] your name is my brother’” (15). Mankind may not be willing to help you, but Christ always can, wants to and will. Bishop Myriel also forgives Valjean for stealing from him and even gives Jean Valjean his candlesticks. This Christ-like forgiveness gives Jean Valjean a second chance. By being forgiving and compassionate, Bishop Myriel changes Jean Valjean's heart instead of hardening it which mirrors Christ’s forgiveness and grace toward sinners.
Because of Bishop Myriel’s Christ-like act of forgiveness and grace, Jean Valjean changes his life of criminality to a life of kindness, generosity and perseverance. “Father Madeleine had made a fortune, yet that was not his focus. He thought often of others, and seldom of himself” (33). Jean Valjean’s actions represent rebirth or resurrection, which is a very prominent Christ symbol as He died and was resurrected for all. Jean Valjean’s transformation did not only give him a new identity, but it gave him the opportunity, funds and chance to help many people who were going through difficult situations and bless them just as Bishop Myriel blessed Jean Valjean’s life. Changing can be very difficult but Jean Valjean showcases that everyone has the capability to do so no matter how extreme that change is.
The final representation of Christ-like sacrifice is Eponine’s story. She loves Marius so profusely that she gives up her life to save him. “She let her head fall back upon Marius’ knees and her eyelids closed. He thought that poor soul had gone. Eponine lay motionless; but just when Marius supposed her forever asleep, she slowly opened her eyes and said to him with an accent, the sweetness of which already seemed to come from another world: ‘Do you know, Monsieur Marius, I believe I was a little in love with you’ She smiled again and expired” (246). Eponine dying for Marius is very symbolic of Christ dying on the cross but what is also equally important is all that Eponine wanted in return for her sacrifice was for Marius to be safe. She didn’t want any worldly things which is also alike to how Christ doesn’t want anything of worldly value in return for Him dying. Eponine could have very easily had nothing to do with Marius after he joined the rebellion, so Eponine giving up her life so that Marius could live is an amazing example of Christ-like sacrifice.
A meaningful message in Les Misérables is how important sacrifice is but it can come with trials. Sacrifice is one of the truest and deepest forms of love. Small and simple acts of service that may seem like the most insignificant or unimpactful thing to help someone can truly change someone's life in ways one wouldn’t be able to imagine. Sacrifice doesn’t need to be big-it just needs to be meaningful and come from the heart to help others. Be the light that guides someone along their path.
Christ Symbols
Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo abridged by Matt Larsen, is a beautiful story that shows that people can change, and that love, forgiveness and sacrifice matter more than one’s past. A theme that you can find throughout this story is Christ-like sacrifices and symbols. This theme is shown when Bishop Myriel shows mercy to Jean Valjean, when Jean Valjean transforms himself and when Eponine sacrifices herself and gets nothing in reward.
One excellent example of Christ-like sacrifice is Bishop Myriel. Jean Valjean asks so many for help but Bishop Myriel is the only one who lets Jean Valjean in to eat and rest. “The bishop, who was sitting near him, touched his hand gently and said: ‘You didn’t need to tell me who you are. This is not my house; it is the house of Christ. It does not ask any comer whether he has a name, but whether he has an affliction. You are suffering; you are hungry and thirsty; be welcome. What need have I to know your name? Besides, before you told me, I knew it. [Later] your name is my brother’” (15). Mankind may not be willing to help you, but Christ always can, wants to and will. Bishop Myriel also forgives Valjean for stealing from him and even gives Jean Valjean his candlesticks. This Christ-like forgiveness gives Jean Valjean a second chance. By being forgiving and compassionate, Bishop Myriel changes Jean Valjean's heart instead of hardening it which mirrors Christ’s forgiveness and grace toward sinners.
Because of Bishop Myriel’s Christ-like act of forgiveness and grace, Jean Valjean changes his life of criminality to a life of kindness, generosity and perseverance. “Father Madeleine had made a fortune, yet that was not his focus. He thought often of others, and seldom of himself” (33). Jean Valjean’s actions represent rebirth or resurrection, which is a very prominent Christ symbol as He died and was resurrected for all. Jean Valjean’s transformation did not only give him a new identity, but it gave him the opportunity, funds and chance to help many people who were going through difficult situations and bless them just as Bishop Myriel blessed Jean Valjean’s life. Changing can be very difficult but Jean Valjean showcases that everyone has the capability to do so no matter how extreme that change is.
The final representation of Christ-like sacrifice is Eponine’s story. She loves Marius so profusely that she gives up her life to save him. “She let her head fall back upon Marius’ knees and her eyelids closed. He thought that poor soul had gone. Eponine lay motionless; but just when Marius supposed her forever asleep, she slowly opened her eyes and said to him with an accent, the sweetness of which already seemed to come from another world: ‘Do you know, Monsieur Marius, I believe I was a little in love with you’ She smiled again and expired” (246). Eponine dying for Marius is very symbolic of Christ dying on the cross but what is also equally important is all that Eponine wanted in return for her sacrifice was for Marius to be safe. She didn’t want any worldly things which is also alike to how Christ doesn’t want anything of worldly value in return for Him dying. Eponine could have very easily had nothing to do with Marius after he joined the rebellion, so Eponine giving up her life so that Marius could live is an amazing example of Christ-like sacrifice.
A meaningful message in Les Misérables is how important sacrifice is but it can come with trials. Sacrifice is one of the truest and deepest forms of love. Small and simple acts of service that may seem like the most insignificant or unimpactful thing to help someone can truly change someone's life in ways one wouldn’t be able to imagine. Sacrifice doesn’t need to be big-it just needs to be meaningful and come from the heart to help others. Be the light that guides someone along their path.
November 15, 2019
The book Les Misérables (High School Edition), by Matt Larsen, is a fictional classic masterpiece! Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean, Cosette, and Marius Pontmercy on their pursuit of happy lives and running from their past. Jean Valjean is a kind-hearted former convict who was put into the galleys for stealing bread and after he got out, he turned into "Mayor Madeline". Cosette is Fantine's magnificent daughter, her mom died and she was adopted by Jean Valjean. Marius Pontmercy is a lawyer/baron who is hateful of his grandfather. In the book, Marius is trying to find love and escape his grandfather's stubbornness and Jean Valjean is trying to protect Cosette from anything that can hurt her (Fantine's dying wish). What makes this book interesting is that this is all happening during the French Revolution so sides are being chosen. The climax of the story is when there is a shootout at the barricade. Marius, who has been secretly seeing Cosette is fighting along-side Jean Valjean. They charge out of the barricade as one final attempt at winning and almost everyone dies at the barricade accept Jean Valjean and Marius, who is unconscious on the ground. The themes of this book clash, from if someone believes you can be good, you can, to hold on to the people you love. In the end, the outlining theme I see is that you should have a resolution with your friends and family before they are gone. The text supports this near the end of the book. "I thought I would never see my Cosette again...Now the angel comes and I see my Cosette again!... What has given me pain, Monsieur Pontmercy, was that you have been unwilling to touch that money (pages 354-356 Jean Valjean )...". Using this evidence we can conclude that Jean Valjean is trying to resolve all of his emotions/problems before he dies. With this book, I give a review of 5 stars! This book has taken me a bit, but everything it has makes it worth it! It is the pinnacle of writing that so many authors strive to achieve! Matt Larson definitely hit his goal with making this classic interesting. One quote that I think fits Jean Valjean is that "The more something threatens your identity, the more you will avoid it (Mark Manson).".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
At the suggestion of friends, I chose the abridged edition of Les Mis. I enjoyed the story and really saw this as a single step down exploring the larger whole. I'd like to supplement this with the musical and maybe one day tackle the original. Having the pieces of the story in place should aid in the herculean task of reading the whole book. Definitely a great abridgment for high schoolers, my quibble is more with Victor Hugo's plot choice of making Valjean's past misdeeds seem so repugnant to both himself and others that his body of good works is worth nothing.
March 1, 2021
This will have been the second time that I have read this version of the book. At the beginning of the month I was assigned to read a historical fiction book, and oddly enough I was watching the movie at the time while I was deciding what to read. After digging through my shelves for a few minutes, I was able to find my old copy from when I was in 9th grade. Interestingly enough, my thoughts on the book have not much changed from the last time that I read it. It is a great story, there is no doubting that. The shear length of the original text does not need to be worried about in this version because it is obviously an abridged version. Nonetheless, it is still a great read that I would recommend to anyone looking to get the "Le Misérables" experience, without having to spend countless hours reading the whole book. It is interesting how the main selling point of the book eventually becomes the best part about it.
August 8, 2024
I can’t remember the last time I read an abridged version of any novel; however, this version was assigned to a class I’m about to teach for their summer reading assignment before I came on board. I’m disheartened I didn’t have time to read this in its entirety because it’s truly a gem! I was genuinely moved experiencing the way Hugo reminds us with Les Miserables that mercy triumphs over justice!
December 23, 2020
I read it to my kids and we listened to the music as we progressed through the story. We all loved it. I actually really enjoyed this abridged edition. The language was clear and the story was easy to follow. I would recommend it. It also has some great conversation starters for difficult topics.
April 27, 2022
This is more synoptic in style than I anticipated. If I was not already familiar with the story and characters, it would have been harder to connect with the story. However! I am so glad to have read it as I am VERY unlikely to read Hugo’s actual work.
May 9, 2022
I love Les Miserables. It's one of my favorite stories ever. But reading this edition was like listening to my kids tell me about their day at school. I know what happened, but I didn't get to live it with the characters.
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October 30, 2019I loved how much detail was put into the book, this has officially been the best book I've ever read. The author has put so much attention into the small details. I loved every bit of it.
June 14, 2025
11/10 recommend to everyone! Readable! Moving! All the best parts of the full version
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