This is the great classic of human redemption by Victor Hugo. A reader may be more familiar with the movie, The Fugitive which liberally borrows the plot lines from this novel. Of course, there was also a movie musical, but reader, do not be deterred from picking up this book; the original is much better than any other retelling. Jean Valjean, the protagonist is of the criminal class who is trusted and redeemed by the goodness of a village priest. As he repents for his crimes, he is hounded by the obsessed inspector who wants to see justice done at any price. Can a good man escape his past misdeeds and devote himself to others — and at what cost?
The illustrations in this book are alone worth picking this book up to peruse. It is illustrated by incredible artists who bring the story to life. The back of the book collects all the illustrations so that one can better appreciate their artistry. Victor Hugo as a writer had a unique sympathy for the poor and oppressed. This volume is published by a religious ministry because of the redemptive nature of the story. The reader should not be deterred by the religiosity therein. The story is universal.
