Les Miserables

An abandoned orphan. A redeemed convict. By adopting one another, these two gain a loving family bond previously unknown to them. In a novel full of outcasts, Hugo shares hope that redemption is available even for the most miserable individuals. Narrator George Guidall's soft, friendly voice ably captures Hugo's conversational tone, and his accurate pronunciation of French words is a pleasure. Guidall is subtle yet distinct in his vocal characterizations. He gives Jean Valjean a husky, kind voice and Inspector Javert a gruff, ominous voice. Julie Rose's highly accessible translation and Guidall's narration make this a captivating production. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Les Miserables (The Wretches) is one of the most popular musicals in the world, though grand opera would have done more justice to the excessive romanticism of the 1862 original about the benevolent ex-con, his relentless pursuer and the street people of the July Revolution. Employing a judicious pruning and excellent translation, Nigel Anthony plays the melodrama and sentimentality without chewing the scenery--a neat trick. His characterizations are broad, but that's only appropriate here. He has a strangely jerky delivery, either a personal quirk or the product of numerous inelegant edits. Either way, he gives a listenable rendering of this improbable classic. Y.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine