Phil’s Reviews > Les Misérables > Status Update
Phil
is 55% done
I can't help thinking that - unlike Moby Dick, for example, where deep dives into detail reflect Ahab's obsession with the whale - the endless digression in this book is because Hugo is paid by the word. It's one of few classics that could definitely be enjoyed in an abridged version. Count of Monte Cristo it ain't, which fairly rattles along.
— Aug 26, 2025 03:21AM
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Phil’s Previous Updates
Phil
is 58% done
There are few classic novels that could be improved by removing roughly 80% of the text, but I feel this might the main contender.
— Nov 21, 2025 04:03AM
