Classics · Historical
Les Misérables
Ex-convict Jean Valjean tries to build an honest life in nineteenth-century France while a relentless police inspector pursues him. He becomes protector of a girl named Cosette against the backdrop of revolt in Paris.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1862
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 1458
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a vast, emotional story of mercy, justice and sacrifice, and don't mind its long digressions.
Skip this if you want a quick read, since the novel includes extended essays on history and architecture.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Les Misérables
- What is Les Misérables about?
- Ex-convict Jean Valjean tries to build an honest life in nineteenth-century France while a relentless police inspector pursues him. He becomes protector of a girl named Cosette against the backdrop of revolt in Paris.
- Who should read Les Misérables?
- Read it if you want a vast, emotional story of mercy, justice and sacrifice, and don't mind its long digressions. Skip it if you want a quick read, since the novel includes extended essays on history and architecture.
- How long and how fast is Les Misérables?
- It is a slow-paced, long read of about 1458 pages, first published in 1862.
- Does Les Misérables have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, Violence, War.
- Can I borrow Les Misérables for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Les Misérables; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Les Misérables?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Count of Monte Cristo, A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Les Misérables
-
The Count of Monte Cristo
Another giant French novel about a wronged man and a changed identity, with more adventure and revenge.
-
A Tale of Two Cities
A shorter Dickens novel of sacrifice and revolution in the same era.
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Oliver Twist Another novel that spotlights the poor and the criminal with compassion.
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