Talk

It's surprisingly easy to read. One of my favourites.

thanks for replying - think i will defo give it a go in the new year. ive always wanted to see the musical but never managed to yet, and can't wait for the film to come out at the cinema as i think it will be brilliant. i normally like to read the book first, but don't think i will be able to manage that before the film is out in Jan

I couldn't put it down - read it in 6 days on holiday one year - and think it's one of the great books. It's a real tear jerker though so get the tissue box ready towards the last 100 pages or so.

I second - or third - above. Adored it. It is physically big, so good for holiday or time when you have more time t get stick in, but also in my top 20. I'd seen musical 3-4 times (I usu don't like musicals) - the book is two or three quantum leaps better and richer. It is sentimental in Victorian way, but a luxury of intelligent emotion, ideas, and great love stories. I envy you !

Not read it but seen it at theatre several times.

Am looking forward to the cinema version.

I find it easy but you have to find the right translation for you imo.

I think it's best in the original French.

<innocent face>

<blows raspberries at BOF>

I just tried to download the free kindle version, but apparently I already have it. I'll definitely give it a whirl after reading this thread.

Sorry for hijacking but I downloaded it last night as I feel I should read it before I see the film and now don't know if I have the right one. It said English version but seems very heavy going and all it talks about is a priest. Is this right?

There is a lot more to the story than you get in the stage play or film. It takes a long way until you get the main character to appear, and you get a lot of background on why people do things etc.
But I've only got about 1/2 way through, it must be one of the most downloaded books but not finished on Kindle. But it is quite readable if you don't expect it to be just the story in the play, it's more like a rambling Dicken's.

Yes that's right. If it helps I first read it when I was a young teenager and a lot of the story simply didn't interest me at that time so I flicked through and only read the parts that related to the musical. They were easier to read as I knew what was going on. Once I had read those parts, the rest was easier to read as I wanted to know more and fill in the gaps.

Love it. A very great book. If you enjoy it, you may want to go on to Balzac afterwards.

All the characters are fully developed, so yes, there are several chapters about the priest. He is the one who first helps Valjean. After that he disappears! I find reading very easy and feel at home with Victorian authors, and I loved this book. If you find it challenging just keep going. Try reading it 'out loud' whether literally or in your head. Once you adjust to the pace it is well worth it.