Les Misérables by Victor Hugo is a sweeping epic set in post-revolutionary France, focusing on the lives of several characters as they navigate themes of justice, redemption, and social inequality. The novel centers on Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking to reform his life and escape his past, while grappling with relentless pursuit by Inspector Javert and witnessing the struggles of others around him. Though rooted in realism, Les Misérables also embodies Romantic ideals through its exploration of human suffering, idealism, and the transformative power of compassion and sacrifice, reflecting Hugo's deep empathy for the human condition.
