Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (1862)
Les Miserables is a classic novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862. It is set in early 19th-century France and tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who is trying to make a new life for himself. Valjean is pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert, who is determined to bring him to justice for his past crimes. Along the way, Valjean meets a variety of characters, including the street urchin Gavroche, the devoted Fantine, and the young student Marius. The novel follows Valjean's journey as he struggles to make a better life for himself and those around him. He is forced to confront his past and make difficult decisions, all while trying to stay one step ahead of Javert. Along the way, he learns the power of mercy and redemption, and discovers the true meaning of justice. Les Miserables is a timeless classic that has been adapted into numerous films, musicals, and plays. It is a powerful story of love, redemption, and justice that continues to resonate with readers today.
By Victor Hugo · First published 1862 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance · 60 chapters · 551,157 words
First lines
There was, at Montfermeil, near Paris, during the first quarter of this century, a sort of cook-shop which no longer exists. This cook-shop was kept by some people named Thénardier, husband and wife. It was situated in Boulanger Lane. Over the door there was a board nailed flat against the wall. Upon this board was painted something which resembled a man carrying another man on his back, the latter wearing the big gilt epaulettes of a general, with large silver stars; red spots represented blood; the rest of the picture consisted of smoke, and probably represented a battle. Below ran this inscription: AT THE SIGN OF SERGEANT OF WATERLOO ('Au Sargent de Waterloo'.
What this Textopian page supports
Les Miserables is listed on Textopian as a novel by Victor Hugo, dated 1862 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Victor Hugo
- Date: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Adventure, Realistic Fiction
- Length: 551,157 words
- Structure: 365 chapters, 10,032 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Les Miserables?
- How does this novel by Victor Hugo fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Les Miserables Wilbour Translation by Victor Hugo
- You Cant Go Home Again by Thomas Wolfe
- The Rider On The White Horse by Theodor Storm
- Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
- A Bride Of The Plains by Emma Orczy
- The Bet And Other Stories by Anton Chekhov
Genres
- Historical Fiction — Les Miserables is set in 19th century France and follows the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict, and his struggles to redeem himself in society.
- Drama — The novel is filled with dramatic moments and intense emotions, as the characters grapple with difficult moral choices and their consequences.
- Romance — The novel features a romantic subplot between the characters Marius and Cosette, and their love story is a major part of the plot.
- Adventure — The novel follows Jean Valjean on his journey of redemption, which includes thrilling adventures and daring escapes.
Tags
Banned Books from Anne Haight's list · Epic literature · Ex-convicts · Fiction · Historical Fiction · Historical Novel · Orphans · Paris (France) · Self-Help · air · called · child
Contents
- One Mother Meets Another Mother
- A Drinker is a Babbler
- The Lark's Meadow
- The Sobriquet: Mode of Formation of Family Names
- Which Treats of the Manner of Entering a Convent
- Solitude and the Barracks Combined
- The Water Question at Montfermeil
- Sister Simplice
- An Ancient Salon
- Origin Origin
- The Lower Chamber
- The Land Impoverished by the Sea
- Ninety Years and Thirty-Two Teeth
- The Convent as an Abstract Idea
- Number 24601 Becomes Number 9430
- A Group Which Barely Missed Becoming Historic
- The Charybdis of the Faubourg Saint Antoine and the Scylla of the Faubourg Du Temple
- Master Gorbeau
- Some Explanations With Regard to the Origin of Gavroche's Poetry. the Influence of an Academician on This Poetry
- The Seventh Circle and the Eighth Heaven
- The Year 1817
- Untitled
- Well Cut
- Pity for the Unhappy, but Indulgence for the Happy
- What is Met With on the Way from Nivelles
- The Beginning of Repose
- The History of a Progress in Black Glass Trinkets
- Parvulus Parvulus
- Mines and Miners
- The Flag: Act First
- The 16th of February, 1833
- Marius, While Seeking a Girl in a Bonnet, Encounters a Man in a Cap
- In Which the Tree With the Zinc Plaster Appears Again
- The House With a Secret
- Jean Valjean
- Full Light
- From the Rue Plumet to the Quartier Saint-Denis
- Marius Indigent
- The Surface of the Question
- A Wound Without, Healing Within
- In What Mirror M. Madeleine Contemplates His Hair
- M. Myriel
- The Sewer and Its Surprises
- History of Corinthe from Its Foundation
- The Malicious Playfulness of the Wind
- The Zigzags of Strategy
- The Evening of a Day of Walking
- Number 62 Rue Petit-Picpus
- The Obedience of Martin Verga
- Jean Valjean Still Wears His Arm in a Sling
- How Jean May Become Champ
- The Lowest Depths
- The Bewilderment of Perfect Happiness
- Some of His Particular Characteristics
- M. Myriel Becomes M. Welcome
- Explanation Explanation
- Treasure Trove
- A Double Quartette
- A Nest for Owl and a Warbler
- Blondeau's Funeral Oration by Bossuet