Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Set in early 19th-century France, the narrative follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey towards redemption. The story touches upon the nature of law and grace, and elaborates upon the history of France, architecture of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. It is known for its vivid and relatable characters, and its exploration of societal and moral issues.
The 56th greatest book of all time
Ranking Details:
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Total Points: 2943
This book was first published in 1862
31 Lists
- score: 150 -- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die - 2006 (Weight: 150)
- score: 142 -- Top 100 World Literature Titles - 2017 (Weight: 138)
- score: 138 -- El Pais Favorite Books of 100 Spanish Authors - 2008 (Weight: 138)
- score: 128 -- Pour une Bibliothèque Idéale - 1956 (Weight: 126)
- score: 126 -- 100 Life-Changing Books - 2006 (Weight: 126)
- score: 118 -- 100 Books of Classical and Modern Foreign Literature - 2013 (Weight: 114)
- score: 113 -- Big Read (Bulgarian) - 2009 (Weight: 111)
- score: 108 -- ZEIT-Bibliothek der 100 Bücher - 2009 (Weight: 108)
- score: 102 -- The Bigger Read List - 2003 (Weight: 102)
- score: 96 -- Big Read (Hungarian) - 2005 (Weight: 93)
- score: 96 -- 100 Essential Books - 2009 (Weight: 93)
- score: 96 -- 222 Best Books of All Time That Deserve a Spot on Your Bookshelf, With Picks from Bestselling Authors and Indie Booksellers - 2024 (Weight: 96)
- score: 96 -- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read - 2009 (Weight: 96)
- score: 93 -- Masterpieces of World Literature - 1991 (Weight: 93)
- score: 92 -- The 100 Favorite Novels of Librarians - 1999 (Weight: 90)
- score: 90 -- Harvard Book Store Staff's Favorite 100 Books - 2011 (Weight: 90)
- score: 90 -- Best Books Ever - 2006 (Weight: 90)
- score: 84 -- The Big Read - 2003 (Weight: 84)
- score: 84 -- The 100 Greatest Novels - 2007 (Weight: 81)
- score: 84 -- My Favourite Book - Australian Big Read - 2004 (Weight: 84)
- score: 81 -- The Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time - 2004 (Weight: 81)
- score: 81 -- The Best Classics - 2006 (Weight: 81)
- score: 81 -- 50 Books to (Re-)Read at 50 - 2012 (Weight: 81)
- score: 81 -- Great Books - 2006 (Weight: 81)
- score: 81 -- The Graphic Canon - 2012 (Weight: 81)
- score: 78 -- The 500 best books of all time from Culture Café users - 2008 (Weight: 78)
- score: 70 -- The Telegraph’s 100 Novels Everyone Should Read - 2009 (Weight: 69)
- score: 69 -- The Books You've Always Meant to Read - 2020 (Weight: 69)
- score: 66 -- The Complete 500: OCLC - 2024 (Weight: 66)
- score: 66 -- 100 Best Novels in the World (Published in 1899) - 1899 (Weight: 66)
- score: 57 -- The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 1979 (Weight: 57)