Les Miserables

Set against the backdrop of early 19th-century Paris, Les Misérables follows the transformative journey of Jean Valjean, a man who rises from a harsh prison sentence to become a successful industrialist and mayor. As he seeks redemption, he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, in a story rich with detailed historical scenes, including the Battle of Waterloo and a dramatic flight through the Paris sewers. The novel combines elements of drama, history, and moral inquiry within its sweeping portrayal of French society.