Les Miserables
Victor Hugo
Read by Orson Welles
Recorded in 1937, Les Miserables is a powerful adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel. Translated variously from French as The Miserable Ones, The Wretched, and The Poor Ones, this story is one of the best-known novels of the 19th century.
The narrative follows the lives and interactions of several French characters over a twenty-year period during the early 19th century, encompassing the Napoleonic wars and the subsequent decades. At its heart is the struggle of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who seeks redemption while navigating the complexities of good, evil, and the law.
This sweeping tale not only explores the history of France and the architecture of Paris but also delves into moral philosophy, justice, and the nature of love.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
| The Bishop | 29:13 |
| Javert | 55:30 |
| The Trial | 28:47 |
| Cosette | 57:36 |
| The Grave | 26:53 |
| The Barricade | 48:35 |
| The Final Episode | 50:54 |
Reviews
A great story of redemption and the power of Love.
Sam Shafer
A very excellent Orson Welles production. This is not the reading of the entire novel but very good quality drama production.
Such an interesting listen
Ronald Newcombe
Obviously, an amazing story. What makes this recording fascinating is the snap shot of more "modern" history it provides of a time when radio was cutting edge technology and popular entertainment was served to the masses like this. It is a real treat to hear Orson Welles perform as well.
lovely...a complete audio reading material
A LibriVox Listener
it's true.
Classics Illustrated
Catzilly
Remember those comic books? Orson Welles created something similar here. Highly abridged. Ignoring the background of revolutionary politics of the period. Disappointing.
The best recording I have found.
A LibriVox Listener
Genuinely loved this!
A LibriVox Listener
I personally loved how it helped me fill out many of the blanks left when i watched the musical without having to tackle the entire epic. Thank you so much for sourcing and posting this!
A LibriVox Listener
the book was very good but short. it was also very loud. so don't turn it up too high.
Fantastic!
Megan Ruffino
I absolutely loved this! I was gripped from the very start.