Les mis#65533;rables has become a seminal work, not just of French fiction, but of world literature. Victor Hugo's novel is a masterwork of social commentary and a moving defense of the oppressed. With its brilliantly contrived plot full of villains, tormentors, and victims, it plunges readers into a hostile and ruthless world where individuals must occasionally resort to crime in a desperate attempt to survive. This edition ties into the film starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried.