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About to tackle Les Miserables

Posted on 11/10/25 at 10:12 pm
Posted by Gerry Laval
Member since Apr 2025
188 posts
Posted on 11/10/25 at 10:12 pm
Is it worth it? In the last few years, I’ve read “long books” Atlas Shrugged and The Stand. Both were very much worth it. I’m just a 10-15 page a night reader so a long book is a big commitment. Multiple people have told me Les Miserables is worth it. I’m fearing boredom. Any comments?
This post was edited on 11/10/25 at 10:13 pm
Posted by Adajax
Member since Nov 2015
8267 posts
Posted on 11/11/25 at 7:19 am to
I've considered it but haven't taken the plunge yet. Like you, I am worried that it could be a slog to get through. I did tackle War and Peace last year and enjoyed it for what it's worth.
Posted by Lsudx256
DFW
Member since Mar 2016
3262 posts
Posted on 11/11/25 at 8:00 am to
It’s on my shelf. I look forward to get your thoughts. I have a few big ones sitting there. It sits next to Moby Dick, War & Peace, and The Three Musketeers.
Posted by theGarnetWay
Washington, D.C.
Member since Mar 2010
27180 posts
Posted on 11/11/25 at 12:17 pm to
At least you don't have to listen to Russell Crowe sing.
Posted by lsugorilla
PNW
Member since Sep 2009
6503 posts
Posted on 11/11/25 at 8:02 pm to
What translation do you recommend?
Posted by nes2010
Member since Jun 2014
7586 posts
Posted on 11/12/25 at 10:20 am to
I read it as a teenager and loved it. Did not find it boring, and I was less tolerant of boring subjects back then.
Posted by Michael T. Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2004
8800 posts
Posted on 11/25/25 at 10:56 pm to
Just be prepared that the book is as much a story as it is a political treatise. I read it when I was 19 or so, and it seemed at the time like a lot of straying from narrative to something else entirely.

I may have been too young to recognize how Hugo was attempting to weave in and out and tie everything together, but it felt overly complicated at times.
Posted by prplhze2000
Parts Unknown
Member since Jan 2007
56952 posts
Posted on 12/3/25 at 9:38 pm to
You're going to love the 50 page recapitulation of the Battle of Waterloo
Posted by flvelo12
Palm Harbor, Florida
Member since Jan 2012
3560 posts
Posted on 12/5/25 at 8:03 am to
I read it over the summer. It was better than I had hoped (& I had high expectations because I enjoy the musical and film)

On a side note (if you have seen the musical or movie), in the book the Thénardiers are pure evil but for some reason they are made out to be a comic element in the film and stage play. Disconcerting.

And yes, the Waterloo section is fantastic. Ordered this because of it.

Posted by Rubberbandman21
Member since Aug 2021
113 posts
Posted on 12/5/25 at 2:07 pm to
The first part is good, but in my opinion it slows down and becomes tough to stick with. If you’re looking for a long book, try The Count of Monte Cristo. Different than the movie in certain ways, so if you’ve seen the movie, go into the book like it’s a separate story. If a 1200 page book can be a page turner, this one is. I’m on my third reading of it. I tell myself there’s too much out there to read a giant book that many times, but it’s too good.
Posted by Macavity92
Member since Dec 2004
6325 posts
Posted on 12/10/25 at 11:31 am to
It is worth reading.

Someone else posted the Count of Monte Cristo. Also worth reading.

There are many great long books out there. Go for it.
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