Where to start withLes Misérables
2 versions · originally a book, 1987
Themes: Redemption, Social injustice, Poverty, Revolution, Moral Dilemma.
Start with Les Misérables (Victor Hugo, 1987) — the book. Les Misérables exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1987; each is ranked below by what it does best.
Victor Hugo's epic explores the relentless collision between an ex-convict’s quest for redemption and a rigid, law-bound obsession with justice.
✦ Most fans start here
Les Misérables (1987)
The original novel
✦ Start hereLes Misérables
Victor Hugo · Book · 1987
Les Misérables (1987) stands as the definitive source material, offering an unparalleled depth of philosophical introspection and historical detail that no visual adaptation can fully replicate for the dedicated reader.
2018 series
Les Misérables
Series · 2018
Les Misérables (2018) provides a modern television interpretation that excels at pacing the sprawling narrative into an accessible format, perfect for viewers seeking a character-driven drama with contemporary production values.
Common questions
Is Les Misérables (book, 1987) the same story as the 2018 television series?
Yes, both the 1987 book edition of Les Misérables and the 2018 television series are adaptations of the same source material. While the formats differ, they follow the same narrative arc and themes established in the original story.
Should I read the 1987 book of Les Misérables before watching the 2018 TV show?
Reading the 1987 book version of Les Misérables is not required to understand the 2018 television series. Both are independent adaptations, meaning you can consume either one first without needing context from the other to follow the plot.
Is the 2018 TV series of Les Misérables a sequel to the 1987 book?
No, the 2018 television series is not a sequel to the 1987 book titled Les Misérables. Both titles represent different adaptations of the same source material rather than a continuation of the story in a chronological series.
How long is the 2018 TV series of Les Misérables compared to the 1987 book?
The 2018 television series of Les Misérables is a visual adaptation that condenses the narrative, whereas the 1987 book provides the full text. While they share the same source material, the book offers a more detailed reading experience than the television miniseries.