Les Miserables- A History Lesson between Two Covers by Ben

Les Miserables- A History Lesson between Two Covers by Ben - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

My favorite book of all time is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I’ve read through the whole thing three times by this point and I can’t get enough of it. It is a beautiful story of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Set during one of the many French Revolutions, it goes in depth about the suffering of the lower economic classes and the social problems that occurred in the time. Not only does Hugo tell the inspiring story of a condemned man, but the entire history of a difficult age. I have recommended this book to many of my friends because I believe it teaches many lessons about humanity and our connections and abilities. Hugo’s writing is so realistic and heavily romantic, and despite endless chapters of facts, the novel pulls the reader right in.

Les Miserables illustrates the life of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict that searches for a new life in an unforgiving world. Despite the police detective Javert always set on his heels, Valjean saves a prostitute from her life in the streets and rescues her daughter Cosette from an evil innkeeper and his wife. Hugo also tells the story of Marius and his efforts in the revolution. After a violent battle and many tragic sacrifices, Valjean risks his life to save Marius from the barricade, regardless of his hatred for him. Valjean also is given the chance to kill Javert, his eternal pursuer- but he sets the policeman free. Javert cannot understand Valjean’s actions and cannot believe that an evil man can ever change- and he commits suicide. Finally, the novel ends with Marius and Cosette’s marriage, and Valjean’s death.

This is only a brief summary of a terrific story. Hugo describes every detail of these characters’ emotions and lives, and the effect is captivating and wonderful. Everyone should read this book as soon as they can: it is an entire history lesson between two covers, showing the development of a significant event in the world. In his novel, Hugo teaches so much about human nature in time of stress, and our ability to love one another unconditionally.