Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo

Genre: Historical fiction

Publication Date: 1862

Overview

Les Misérables, a French historical novel by Victor Hugo was first published in 1862 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. Les Misérables is an extremely subtle and layered phrase, which makes it quite difficult to translate. Common English translations include “The Misérables” and “The Miserable Ones,” but novelist Susanne Alleyn suggests that phrases such as “The Dispossessed” or “The Outsiders” are closer in meaning to the original French phrase.

The novel is set in nineteenth-century France and ends with the famous 1832 anti-monarchist June Rebellion in Paris. It follows the lives of its many disenfranchised characters and in doing so explores nineteenth-century French history, politics, and culture. The novel also examines diverse but interrelated issues such as the legal system, anti-monarchism, religion, and love. Les Misérables’ enduring global popularity is partly due to its many film, television, and stage adaptations.

Les Misérables Biography

Les Misérables Background

Les Misérables Characters

Les Misérables Summary and Analysis

Les Misérables Themes

Les Misérables Quotes

Les Misérables Discussion Questions