Miserable Intros and Teaser

Les MisérablesHave you ever done your best to not read a book? Disliked the movie adaptations of it and been vocal about that? Well, I have a number of books like that which I am determined not to read because what I know of them makes me slightly miserable. One of these books was Victor Hugo's famous Les Misérables. Everything I'd heard of it suggested that it was indeed rather miserable and I found the recent movie adaptation to be rather over-the-top. I only really care for the barricade and for Javert and until this weekend that didn't seem enough to pull me in. But Channel 4 seemed to have other things in mind for me when it showed Les Misérables on Sunday. By the end of the night I was thinking about how much more there has to be to the story than the film and musical show. So I decided it was time for me to get over myself and actually dig into this book. Long story short, I am using Victor Hugo's Les Misérables today in the hope to get myself more geared up to actually start it.

Introducing one of the most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean - the noble peasant imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. In Les Misérables Victor Hugo takes readers deep into the Parisian underworld, immerses them in a battle between good and evil, and carries them onto the barricades during the uprising of 1832. 
Within his dramatic story are themes that capture the intellect and the emotions: crime and punishment, the relentless persecution of Valjean by Inspector Javert, the desperation of the prostitute Fantine, the amorality of the rogue Thénardier and the universal desire to escape the prisons of our own minds. Les Misérables gave Victor Hugo a canvas upon which he portrayed his criticism of the French political and judicial systems, but the portrait which resulted is larger than life, epic in scope - an extravagant spectacle that dazzles the senses even as it touches the heart.
Tuesday Intros is hosted by Diane over at Bibliophile by the Sea and Teaser Tuesdays is hosted over at A Daily Rhythm.

Intros:
'In 1815, M. Charles-Francois-Bienvenu Myriel was Bishop of D—— He was an old man of about seventy-five years of age; he had occupied the see of D—— since 1806.Although this detail has no connection whatever with the real substance of what we are about to relate, it will not be superfluous, if merely for the sake of exactness in all points, to mention here the various rumors and remarks which had been in circulation about him from the very moment when he arrived in the diocese. True or false, that which is said of men often occupies as important a place in their lives, and above all in their destinies, as that which they do.' p.1
Although the first paragraph is rather official sounding, I do like the tone of the second paragraph. It's always interesting when the author involves himself with the story so directly and tries to direct the reader towards what is most important. And that last line is simply true! We all care for what others say about us, to the extent we're willing to change what we do.

TeaserTuesdays2014eTeasers:
'The mouse which had been caught was a pitiful specimen; but the cat rejoices even over a lean mouse.' p.264
That sounds like it could come from a proverb! Hint, this is about the Thenardiers. I just thought it was a fun line and if there are more of these in the book I may actually enjoy it!

'Magnon was a sort of fashionable woman in the sphere of crime.' p.1594
As I skipped ahead in search of a good teaser I saw this one and how could I not share it. I wish someone would say this about me.

Have you read Les Misérables? And if you did, did you like it?

Comments

  1. I have never read or seen the musical of this, yes I dont know how that's possible either. LOL I will get to it one day I'm sure. Here's my post http://www.sharonsbooknook.com/2015/08/25/teaser-tuesday-naked/

    ReplyDelete
  2. A captivating story for sure. I haven't read it, but I saw both the Broadway musical and the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful beginning, "rumours" do have a life of their own.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I do like the beginning! I hear this book is quite the chunkster, so good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I haven't read this one, or seen the movie. Reading your excerpts, I am reminded of other books that I probably wouldn't pick up today, but which I enjoyed when I was young: Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, etc.

    Perhaps I should give this one a whirl. I'll wait for your review..LOL.

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Les Miserables is one of my favorite musicals--not the movie version, but the actual stage show. I love the music and the story. I started reading Hugo's book many many years ago and ended up having to stop because I was so entrenched in my graduate studies. I got a good ways in before I had to stop--I just never went back. I do want to read this one someday. I love the story and enjoyed what I'd read of the book. I imagine now though I'd have to start all over again. Someday. There's more a chance I'll read this one than War and Peace which I've started three times already to no avail.

    ReplyDelete
  7. How long is this book? Since one Teaser is from Page 1594, it must be a huge tome. I enjoyed the movie and the stage show, and I'm sure the book is worth reading, but it's unlikely that I'd read it. So many books; so little time.
    Thank you for visiting my blog.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

    ReplyDelete
  8. I read this book several years ago, and it's probably time for a re-read. I like the opening!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I know that this is a long, long book. I'll probably not ever read it, but I do appreciate reading the teasers you shared. Enjoy!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like the teaser more than the first paragraph. I wouldn't keep reading since it's such a chunkster.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Loved this book -- read it twice so yes, please continue.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I haven't read this book, but I did love the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have this on my Kindle, it's one of the forever freebies, but have yet to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have not read this book and I never saw the movie either. Here is my TT
    http://totallyaddictedtoreading.blogspot.com/2015/08/teaser-tuesday-24.html?zx=4b480e8669c9b8c0

    ReplyDelete
  15. I haven't read it. It's doubtful I will tackle it anytime soon. Good luck with it. Looking forward to your review.

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a fantastic reason for choosing this to be your Tuesday post - I haven't read it and didn't think much to the latest film either but as you say you never know until you try. Thanks for visiting my Tuesday post

    ReplyDelete
  17. Juli, I read this one while I was in college (freshman year, trying to avoid going to class) and I loved it; it does require quite the time commitment, but I found that it doesn't really *feel* as long as it is - ha! After reading it, the movie adaptations seem pretty ridiculous - ha! Can't wait to hear what you think!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think I still haven't read this one for the same reasons you mentioned above... I like the sound of the teasers though; I hope you enjoy it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really should read this one! Love the teasers that you chose. Thanks for visiting my blog :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts