Les Miserables

   Tonight I finsished 'Les Miserables' (abridged). At first I did not really enjoy this book. It was difficult to follow. (this may be because it was abridged). Victor Hugo writes about individuals' stories, throughout the book he slowly connects these people. The more I saw the connections the more I enjoyed the book.
    This book challenges the reader to think less in terms of black and white and more in terms of grey. The main character Jean Valjean is a convict. Placed in prison for stealing bread to feed his sister's starving family. When Jean Valjean is released he is treated very poorly. He steals again, he is caught, but the man he steals from claims they were a gift. This sets Jean Valjean on a new path. He constantly shows that he is a good man. He lives under a different name to avoid being treated as a convict and being taken back to jail. He gives himself up when he fears the wrong man is being accused of his past crimes.
    Later his son-in-law discovers the truth about Jean Valjean, that he was a convict. He decides to keep Jean Valjean from his daughter. His son-in-law discovers the whole truth about Jean Valjean, despite being an old convict, his son-in-law forgives him. Consistantly we see Jean Valjean living in the grey area and being treated as though everything in our world is black and white. He is punished very harshly for small indescretions. In the end we finally see Jean Valjean get the treatment he deserves.
   I would definately suggest that you read this book. The way that Victor Hugo connects the characters is fantastic. You are left constantly wondering what the fate of Jean Valjean will be. I would love to hear what you may have gathered from this book.

Next Read: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens