My Les Misérables

For some reason, when I was an undergraduate I did not read Victor Hugo’s classic novel (1862), Les Misérables, in any of my numerous courses in literature, and to this date I haven’t read it. That is a shortcoming that I have to correct.

On the plus side, I have been generally aware that the musical based upon the novel was a smashing Broadway hit for 16 years until closing in 2003.  The three most popular musicals of all time are, in order, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats and Les Misérables. After an absence of three years, Les Misérables is back on Broadway for a six month run.

Guilty feelings probably drove me to finally see it recently. For a brief summary, it is set in mid-19th century of French society and examines the nature of good, evil and justice. Jean Valjean, the main character, is an ex-convict (convicted of stealing food for his family) and is known in prison only as number “24601.” Upon his release after 18 years of confinement, Valjean becomes homeless until rescued by the benevolent Bishop Myriel. However, Valjean steals silverware from the bishop and is caught by Inspector Javert.

Bishop Myriel rescues Valjean for the second time, telling the inspector that he gave the silverware to Valjean. In fact, the bishop gives him more and pleads only that Valjean become an honest man.

Valjean goes off to build a distinguished career under an assumed name. Inspector Javert is convinced that Valjean is a criminal at heart, pursues him for 16 years. What happens next, I won’t tell here.

However, I suggest if you don’t read the novel or see the musical you will miss an insight on an important human condition. Telling you this is, you see, part of my own redemption.

Some books and musicals become classics because they tell a story for all time. That is true about the Bible, or most books of it (some are more insightful than others I would honestly have to say).

As I felt guilty about not having read Victor Hugo’s novel, I also had similar feelings about the Bible until forcing myself to read it (by taking courses). I could not imagine myself living my entire life and never having read the Bible or most of it, the most popular books ever.

Sometimes a little guilt can be good for you, particularly if it comes as part of understanding that being an educated person requires being well-read in the best literature ever written.