Les Miserables

By: Victor Hugo

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

Length: 57 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in the Parisian underworld and plotted like a detective story, Les Miserables follows Jean Valjean, originally an honest peasant, who has been imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving family. A hardened criminal upon his release, he eventually reforms, becoming a successful industrialist and town mayor. Despite this, he is haunted by an impulsive former crime and is pursued relentlessly by the police inspector Javert.

Hugo describes early 19th-century France with a sweeping power that gives his novel epic stature. Among the most famous chapters are the account of the battle of Waterloo and Valjean's flight through the Paris sewers.

(P)1996 Blackstone Audiobooks

Worth the time

I adore the narrator, David Case/Frederick Davidson (I only recently learned they are the same person). I can't believe anyone would fault him for his singing voice. I doubt someone with a better singing voice could hold one's attention and use inflection better than he does. His ability to switch between characters and maintain their personas is unsurpassed in my opinion.
Several years ago, I listened to the unabridged version that I checked out from my public library. Wishing to revisit it, I recently purchased it on CD, not realizing it was the abridged version. I am now downloading this version because there is a lot that has been skipped. Yes, it is long but I get a lot of laundry folded, dishes washed and other mindless tasks completed while immersed in this book and the characters!

Tour de Force Reading of a Masterpiece

This is a superb reading in every respect. Davidson brings to full life the myriad voices and social textures of the novel with aplomb and creativity. Engaging and entertaining throughout.

Poor audio quality

The narrator is, I think, quite good, but the audio recording is terrible. Sometimes you can hear ambient noise like airplanes or sirens, which is quite distracting in a 19th century story. Also, there's a peculiar quality to this recording that I found off putting, sort of like he's talking into a tin can or something? Aside from that, I thought his performance was adept. He created characters with his voice in a way I found pretty remarkable.

Misery of Les Miserables

What did you love best about Les Miserables?

loved this book when I read it in high school 50 years ago, hated listening to it, could only stand about 30 minutes at a stretch.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Les Miserables?

everytime I turned it off

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Frederick Davidson?

anyone

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

still waiting to get to the end so I can delete it, which will be my most moving moment

Any additional comments?

narrator's sarcasm was as irratating as finger nails on a Chalk board, am still kicking myself for not getting the George Guidall version.

Superb reading of one of the greats

The reading was beautifully done, moving, evocative, worthy of the book. The book itself is among the greatest literature of all time. Put it on your bucket list, but since you don't know ever what lies ahead, read it soon. Or, have it read to know while you walk and get some exercise.

I found the Reader a little annoying

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Just the reader to relax and give a more flowy feel

What other book might you compare Les Miserables to and why?

I'm only knew to audible books so probably not a good example for reviews yet...

What aspect of Frederick Davidson’s performance would you have changed?

The over pronunciation of words at end of most sentences - more even flow.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

What a beautiful book!

If you could sum up Les Miserables in three words, what would they be?

Beautiful, encouraging, enthralling

What other book might you compare Les Miserables to and why?

War and Peace -- such tremendous characters, facing such human issues...

Any additional comments?

This is a book for every lover of literature. One of my favorite books, ever!

I thought it was great

I picked this particular version of Les Mis because it was unabridged and, inspite of all the digressions, it was worth it. However, I am getting the abridged version for a friend whom I know is more interested in the story than in the full flavor of the period. I enjoyed the reader with his French pronunciation and his failed attempts to sing. This is a reminder why I love the classics.

The Narrator Takes A Breath....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the story of Les Miserables. I have seen the play over 10 times in the US and abroad. I am a bit disappointed by the narrator as not only does his mouth seem full of saliva, he takes a breath between every sentence. I cannot focus on the story because of the annoying tic.

What three words best describe Frederick Davidson’s performance?

Take some speech lessons and don't take deep breaths between each sentence.

The human element

Wholly original, relatable and relevant. If you enjoy Dostoevsky or Tolstoy, this is a must read; many aspects of this book are recycled in subsequent classics. Instantly joined my top three of all time, alongside "War and Peace" and "The Brothers Karamazov" the latter of which might be an acquired taste.