Les Misérables is a classic novel written by French author Victor Hugo in 1862. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who struggles to make a life for himself despite his past and the relentless pursuit of Inspector Javert. The novel has been praised as one of the greatest works of literature ever written, with its themes of justice, redemption, love, and sacrifice resonating through centuries since it was first published.
The main theme throughout Les Misérables is that of human suffering and social injustice. In this work, Hugo brings attention to many issues faced by people living in poverty during 19th-century France, such as overcrowding in prisons, child labor laws being ignored or circumvented altogether, and a lack of education for those without means to obtain it. He also shines a light on how these issues have remained prevalent even today across all societies, regardless of whether they are advanced or not, something that gives added relevance to the book even now, more than 150 years after its initial publication date.
In addition to exploring various societal problems, Hugo also makes use of numerous literary techniques within Les Misérables, such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery, among others, to bring about further understanding of the characters' emotions or situations that he is attempting to portray within the narrative. These stylistic devices help create vivid descriptions that add depth both emotionally and intellectually, giving readers insight into why certain events take place over others, thus allowing them to become fully immersed in what is taking place at any given moment while reading this masterpiece work of fiction from start to finish.
Finally, there can be no doubt that along with other greats like War and Peace, Moby Dick, Great Expectations, etc., Les Misérables stands out amongst some of the best books ever written, primarily because it contains complex yet timeless messages relevant today just as they were back when initially penned down almost two centuries ago, making sure its legacy remains strong well beyond the lifetimes most of us are currently alive.