Super Short Summary

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo follows the lives of several characters in early 19th-century France, chiefly Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption; Inspector Javert, who obsessively hunts Valjean; Fantine, a woman forced into destitution; and Marius, a revolutionary who falls in love with Valjean's adopted daughter, Cosette. The novel explores themes of justice, poverty, and the transformative power of love. The narrative includes instances of violence, suicide, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.