NPR

'Novel Of The Century' Is A Lively Companion To 'Les Misérables'

David Bellos' new book is a comprehensive guide to Les Misérables, and a compelling story in its own right, packed with detail about the creation and publication of Victor Hugo's massive masterpiece.
Source: Marian Carrasquero

The choices you make in the face of desperation, the morality of violent resistance to injustice, the ever-widening chasm of social inequality: Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables is unquestionably relevant today. Hugo himself said, "I do not know if it will be read by all, but I wrote it for everyone." But at around 1500 pages, the book's sheer size may intimidate some readers — even devoted fans refer to it as "the brick."

Luckily, Princeton professor David Bellos has provided a. Whether you're contemplating a run at or returning to it, Bellos' book is a perfect guide — as well as a compelling story in its own right.

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