The first change over is jarring (which, unfortunately, contributes further to the famous difficulty of overcoming the Waterloo section) but the gimmick works remarkably well (and keeps these fine narrators' voices sturdy). Pronunciation, character voice and accent, and quality are remarkably consistent throughout. This recording consists of 5 narrators, 1 for each 'part' of the book. They can at times drag, especially when they discuss poetically speak of history that a modern reader without a PhD in late 18th to early 19th century history won't understand or connect to, but they are ultimately essential to a reader wanting more than just the plot. Overall, they add hugely to the work and show that the events are not mere things that happen, but show fundamental truths (in the author's mind) about society, God, virtue and happiness. One important feature of this unabridged version is that it retains numerous digressions that provide historical context, social and spiritual truths, and the mental states of characters within the text. Not for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick read, Hugo's classic is brought to light with wonderful, evocative prose in description and frequent cheeky casual dialogue from characters (at least in the latter sections of the book). Great Book, Great Translation, 5 Great Narrators It is not simply for himself that Valjean must stay free, however, for he has sworn to protect the baby daughter of Fantine, driven to prostitution by poverty. But his attempts to become a respected member of the community are constantly put under threat: by his own conscience and by the relentless investigations of the dogged policeman Javert.

Victor Hugo's tale of injustice, heroism and love follows the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Robert Tombs.

This Penguin Classic is performed by an ensemble cast which includes the BAFTA award-winning actor Adeel Akhtar ( Killing Eve, The Night Manager, Les Miserables), Adrian Scarborough ( Gavin and Stacey, The King's Speech), Natalie Simpson ( Outlander, Les Miserables), Emma Fielding ( Unforgotten, Les Miserables) and John Owen-Jones, who was the youngest actor ever to play the part of Jean Valjean in the stage show of Les Miserables, and who has appeared as Jean Valjean on Broadway and in the West End.

Christine donougher