Les Miserables

So, now that I've finished Les Mis, I will never stop talking about it. It was perfect in every single way and I will love it to infinity and beyond ♾

???To die is nothing, but it is terrible not to live.???

Was on my TBR since as long as I can remember.
Finally got my hands on the audiobook. Will have to read it someday though. Victor Hugo's writing is effortlessly beautiful.
Now that I think about it, we did have an excerpt of this in our school curriculum.
Jean Val Jean and the candlesticks with the bishop. That is why this name and the story has been stuck in my brain since forever.

Jean Val Jean's story and his life long animosity with Javert is a joy to read, or in this case, listen.
Having watched the musical, the only Fantine I could imagine was Anne Hathaway's brilliant performance. Will have to definitely rewatch.

This particular dramatization is exactly how a story should be. Full of imagination.
Not only is the prose narrated, but the background noises add to the whole experience where you feel you are fighting in the rebellion alongside Marius.
I wish more audiobooks were produced this way. Creating your own personal movie in your mind's eye.

It touches on so many complex themes. The fact that this was written in 1862 and is still relevant to this day, blows my mind.

A classic tale of love, revenge and forgiveness. A must read.

In an effort to branch out into reading more manga, I decided to give this a chance. The story of Les Misérables is one that I've loved since the first moment I read it. I've read the original story, seen the musical, and of course seen the movie adaptation. So, why not add the manga to my list of formats in which I have experienced this moving story? I went into this excited, and a bit wary.

I must say, Fantine and Cosette transfer perfectly into manga format. The big eyes, sweet faces, and all around adorable nature of manga female characters is perfect for these two. In terms of Jean Valjean and Marius, I was a little less sold on the way they were drawn. Maybe it's just me, actually it probably is just me, but I like my Jean Valjean a little more on gruff side. Personal preference and all that, but it's the truth.

The story of Les Misérables is a little watered down in this version, which I understood. There simply isn't space for all of the little nuances that this story generally has. I did appreciate that they kept some of the more important lines intact, and manga honestly does convey emotions well. It was a fun ride. I think what I missed, more than anything, was the music. I remember that I read the novel before I saw the musical, but after I experienced the musical I could never go back.

So, this three star rating is simply based on preferences. Fans of manga should definitely pick this up, especially if you haven't experienced the story yet. I also think that readers, like myself, who are looking to branch out will appreciate starting with something they know. I know I'll be on the lookout for more of these! I love the fact that I can experience stories that I love, in a new way.