Les Miserables

“I will weep with you over the children of kings, provided that you will weep with me over the children of the people”
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Les Misérables (1862) by Victor Hugo recounts the story of Jean Valjean who was convicted for stealing a loaf of bread to feed the starving children of his sister. Snubbed by society for being a former convict, he struggles to live virtuously. But an unexpected act of mercy and compassion by Bishop Myriel changes his life, encouraging him to become a new man. Valjean's righteous actions change people's lives in surprising ways. He eventually becomes the mayor of the town and also saves people around him from imprisonment and probable death. Offering a criticism of the French political and judicial systems, Les Misérables interestingly and effectively elaborates upon the history of France.