Les Misérables is a sweeping French novel by Victor Hugo that explores themes of justice, redemption, love, and revolution. The story follows Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread to feed his sister’s starving children. After 19 years in prison and multiple escape attempts, he is released—but society rejects him due to his criminal past. Valjean is transformed by the kindness of a bishop and reinvents himself as an honest man and successful factory owner. However, he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, a rigid lawman who believes that no one can truly change. Along the way, Valjean adopts Cosette, the orphaned daughter of Fantine, one of his former factory workers. As Cosette grows up, she falls in love with Marius, a young revolutionary. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of political unrest in 19th-century France, including the June Rebellion of 1832 in Paris. The novel culminates in sacrifice, forgiveness, and moral victory. Valjean dies peacefully, redeemed and honored, having finally found peace in his life.