The Reading Challenge Group discussion

my plan for April includes reading Les Miserables (translated in English). I'd be interested in knowing the views of people who have read the book, in particular what translation they used and if they read the unabridged version or not.

I am keen on the unabridged version and I've been recommended the Wilbour translation...

I read it a long time ago and loved it. I had the signet classics. There is a preferred translation but I don't remember which one it is. Unabridged is a must.

Just a heads-up - I've moved this thread to the Buddy Reads folder (at the bottom of the group page). :)

Hi Faye, I should have titled the thread as "has anyone read Les Miserables?" to make it more clear.

I was asking for advice and other people experiences on abridged vs unabridged versions, what translation to get etc. and not necessarily for a buddy to read with.

However I would also welcome a brave soul buddy :-) !

Faye, I just realised that This book is one of your favourite books; did you read the signet classics edition?

My sister tried reading it and gave up. She tried reading it cuz she liked the movie musical. I wish you good luck reading this one Kiwi. I just wasn't interested in this one.

Oh, sorry Kiwi! I'll move it back to the book discussion folder.

Kiwi wrote: "Faye, I just realised that This book is one of your favourite books; did you read the signet classics edition?"

I did read the Signet classics unabridged edition, and I would highly recommend it! I've also read an abridged version, and while you do get the full story, I kind of felt the loss of a lot of the atmosphere and history surrounding the events that Hugo gives in the unabridged original.

Thanks for your comments evryone, and thanks Iasa for the link, it's very interesting

I read it as an assignment that went hand in hand with watching the broadway production on video and learning two of the songs in chior back in high school. Honestly, I felt the book was dry and slow as mud. I loved the musical and have always tried to keep a copy of the soundtrack on hand. There is nothing like the songs from that to rally you on when doing housework, lol.

That's an interesting perspective. I haven't seen the new movie, as I'm not into musicals. I saw an earlier movie featuring Gérard Depardieu.

I can totally relate to lively music and vigorous housework! LOL