Les Misérables
Focus on the Family

I must confess I have never read Les Misérables or seen the movie so my mind was a fresh canvas for this book on CD. My experience with Focus on the Family has always been positive. Anything I have purchased from them has been beyond excellent and Les Misérables proved to be the same quality.
We had a long car trip to make, so my husband and I listened to it on the road. I must say the 3 CD’s of 169 minutes were over way too soon! We thoroughly enjoyed it and were sorry to have it end. The Focus on the Family Theatre did an outstanding job in every area, from the cast, to the production, to the music. Everything was so vivid I could picture each character and scene in my mind.
The story takes place in 19th-century France, a time of great political turmoil. Ex-convict Jean Valjean had paid his time, 19 long years for stealing bread for his sister and children, and numerous attempted escapes. He is released but to be marked as an ex-convict the rest of his life. This guarantees him being an outcast as long as he lives. This only fuels the bitterness and hatred he is already filled with.
The first person to show him respect and kindness is Bishop Myriel. Valjean repays this by stealing his silver and running off in the night. When captured and brought back to the bishop, the godly man tells the police he gave him the silver and gives him even more. The bishop tells him God has spared him, take the silver, and live a new life for the Lord. Although not immediate, the wise man’s words and benevolence have an impact on Valjean.
Six years later and he is living under the alias Monsieur Madeleine, a wealthy factory owner, and well respected mayor of a town. His life has become the epitome morality, sacrifice, and generosity.
His rescue of an injured man alerts Inspector Javert, a guard at the time of his long imprisonment, to who the mayor may really be. Javert is as filled with hatred and unforgiveness as Valjean is now filled with forgiveness and love.
Once again Valjean is pursued and on the run. Even in the face of these cruel turn of events, Valjean continues to live his life for Christ as many harrowing, and unjust circumstances are thrown his way. Not once does he waver in his deep love for others, nor counting the cost for doing what is right in the face of impossible obstacles.
The story beautifully portrays a Christian hero whose rewards and praise would only come when he meets his Maker. It is entertaining, inspiring, and emotional. I can’t wait to listen to it again!
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.