LES MISÉRABLES AND OTHER WORKS BY VICTOR HUGO includeS three novels (LES MISÉRABLES, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE TOILERS OF THE SEA) and THE MEMOIRS OF VICTOR HUGO. Includes active tables of contents for easy navigation.
LES MISÉRABLES ('The Wretched' or 'The Miserable Ones') is widely considered to be one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century and of Western literature. It follows the lives of several French characters over a seventeen-year period from 1815 and to the 1832 June Rebellion. The novel focuses on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean, jailed for years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving children. LES MISÉRABLES examines French society with a critical eye, laying bare many of the injustices and contradictions of post-revolutionary France.
Set in Paris during the 1400s, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME revolves around Notre-Dame de Paris, the famous cathedral of the city. The main character is Quasimodo, the deformed and hunchbacked bell-ringer of the cathedral. Viewed as a monster by most of the inhabitants of Paris, Quasimodo is actually kind-hearted and in love with the beautiful Esmeralda, who has attracted the attentions of several other men. When Esmeralda is implicated in the death of one of her suitors, Quasimodo tries to rescue her.
THE TOILERS OF THE SEA is the story of a young fisherman from Guernsey, Gilliatt, whose poverty and social awkwardness have made him an outcast among the island community. He is deeply in love with Deruchette, the niece of a wealthy shipowner. When the shipowner's steamship is wrecked on a dangerous reef, Deruchette promises to marry whomever can salvage the valuable engine from the wreck. Gilliatt eager volunteers, hoping to win Deruchette through the great physical trials which lie ahead.
THE MEMOIRS OF VICTOR HUGO follow the life of the famous French writer, whose masterpiece LES MISÉRABLES remains one of the most highly regarded novels of the 19th century.
