Les Misérables

Les Misérables (pronounced /lɛs ˈmɪz(ə)rəb(ə)lz/ or /leɪ ˌmɪzəˈrɑːb/;  French pronunciation: ​ [le mizeʁabl(ə)]) is a French historical novel byVictor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title (variations include The Miserable, The Wretched, The Miserable Ones, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor and The Victims, and The Dispossessed). Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, focusing on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.

Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics,moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for the stage, television, and film, including a musical and a film adaptation of that musical.

The appearance of the novel was highly anticipated and advertised. Critical reactions were diverse, but most of them were negative. Commercially, the work was a great success globally.

Since its original publication, Les Misérables has been the subject of a large number of adaptations in numerous types of media, such as books, films, musicals, plays and games.

Notable examples of these adaptations include:
 * The 1935 film directed by Richard Boleslawski, starring Fredric March and Charles Laughton, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
 * The 1937 radio adaptation by Orson Welles.
 * The 1958 film adaptation directed by Jean-Paul Le Chanois, with an international cast starring Jean Gabin, Bernard Blier, and Bourvil. Called "the most memorable film version", it was filmed in East Germany and was overtly political.
 * The 1978 television film adaptation, starring Richard Jordan and Anthony Perkins.
 * The 1980 musical, by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.
 * The 1998 film, starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush.
 * The 2000 TV miniseries, starring Gérard Depardieu and John Malkovich.
 * The 2012 film of the musical, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway.
 * A 2013 Japanese manga adaptation by Takahiro Arai, to be published in Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine from September 2013.


 * Laura Kalpakian's Cosette: The Sequel To Les Misérables was published in 1995. It continues the story of Cosette and Marius, but is more a sequel to the musical than to the original novel.
 * In 2001, two French novels by François Cérésa that continue Hugo's story appeared: Cosette ou le temps des illusions and Marius ou le fugitif. The latter has been published in an English translation. Javert appears as a hero who survived his suicide attempt and become religious; Thénardier returns from America; Marius is unjustly imprisoned. The works were the subject of an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by Hugo's great-great-grandson.

Segments Alluded

 * Les MiséRobble Robble