If you are used to the style of Manga, this book shouldn't take you too long to get your head around. I studied Japanese in university (as a minor subject) and first became interested in Manga then. Traditionally, they read books from right to left, and therefore from back cover to front cover, in Japan, so this style of reading isn't new to me and didn't cause me any major concern. However, if you are new to Manga this can be a little off-putting, as not only do you read the pages from back cover to front cover, but you also read each little strip from right to left. So, essentially, you are reading backwards. But don't let that put you off: Manga is an interesting and entertaining art and you can find some great titles both here and abroad to enjoy.

Because Victor Hugo's classic novel is loved by so many people around the world, I was so curious to see how this Manga edition would treat this famous story of love and tragedy set in 19th century France. I was also nervous, for the very same reason, because I didn't know if this adaptation would be able to capture the magic of the original work. I was pleasantly surprised, however. The artwork is very expressive and doesn't take from the true poignancy of the story. The majority of the characters work, paying tribute to the originals but presented through a Manga-style veil. The setting is mirrored nicely, again paying tribute to what was intended - 19th century France - but with Manga-style flourishes.

This could work as a standalone story of Les Misérables but, personally, I would recommend a reading of the classic novel before you take this on. I'll explain why: Hugo's novel is dense and detailed. This Manga version tries to pay tribute to that and cram every little bit of necessary information in, but as a result there are details being introduced at a lightening pace, so it is easy to become overwhelmed.

For what I think is likely for dramatic effect, the writer has moved key scenes around, creating a reshuffling that may deter those who are in love with the original story. I tried to go into my reading of this with an open mind, so I didn't let this bother me too much. However, I can completely understand why this may put some readers off (then again, those who choose to read these kinds of Manga comics will be fans of the genre and, therefore, understand).

Overall, it basically works. The artwork, as I have mentioned, is good and expresses the emotion central to the story. The characters look like they should and the effort to remain true to the original is commendable. I don't think I would recommend this as a replacement reading for Les Misérables, or as an introduction to the original text, but I would certainly recommend it to fans of the Manga genre or anyone interested in opening their mind to a reimagining of Hugo's classic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This is just such a fabulous and accessible rake on one of my favourite b9oks of all time. The artwork is exquisite and all the important plot points and more importantly the underlying themes are hit. I am well aware that 19th C literature is hir and miss for most people but Les Miserables deals with such important examinations of personal choice, forgiveness, mistakes and triumphs and morality that I am delighted it has been made accessible to a new group of people in this format. Our budget at the library is very small for graphic novels but I will deginitely attempt to squeeze it for a copy of this - if nothing else my teenaged reading group would love it. A beautiful book.

I love these Manga Classics. They provide an accessible entry point for classics that can seem too complex and a little dull to teens. Highly recommended.

Like with a couple of my other reviews, I think it is important to divide my opinions into sections, so I can be completely honest and comprehensive.

First, let's talk about what this book is classified as: A graphic novel adaptation of the classic Les Miserables There are two things that are important to note before beginning this book. First, it's a GRAPHIC NOVEL adaptation meaning there will pieces of the (admittedly long) book that have been cut out for space. Second, it's a graphic novel ADAPTATION meaning that some foreknowledge of the original work might be needed.

On these two notes, I would like to point out that I like this graphic novel as an adaptation. It's a sort of classic style and each character has a distinctive style that doesn't borrow too heavily from other adaptations. I would have been incredibly disappointed if Fantine had looked like Anne Hathaway and Jean Valjean looked like Hugh Jackman. Overall I was a fan of the 2014 musical as well, despite my reservations. I think this adaptation would have done better as two books rather than one long edition, as there are portions that are too choppy even for an adaptation, such as the kiss scene between Cosette and Marius.

Also, you're definitely going to have an easier read if you are familiar with the original work. The graphic novel does not give a sense of how much Eponine loved Marius, nor the tensions that always existed between Jean ValJean and Javert. This is my reasoning for 3/5 Stars. I cannot say that this graphic novel adaptation would be a good way to introduce anyone to the Les Miserables story, because there are just too many little background details that were cut for space. This would work great for a class who is currently reading Les Miserables as it could be used in conjunction to boost interest in the original text.

A classic brought back to life in stunning manga style.

I have a lot of hesitant readers in my library and it's difficult enough to get them to read a book let alone a classic. This adaption however was well received and I think the manga style makes it a more friendly read.

Well done - love these reproductions of classic titles.

This review was originally published on NetGalley.

I’m not a fan romantic tragedies but Les Misérables is a classic that needs to be read at least once for the people that studied literature, which was my case. I read it during my bachelor degree and I didn’t like at all, it was a long, boring read. Still, in the end, I was able to appreciate the magnificent style of one of Victor Hugo’s finest works.

Like all the manga classics I’ve read so far edited by Stacy King, I wasn’t disappointed and I was actually able to like the story of Les Misérables.

The story is well known if not for the play, for the films. The 19th century tale, centres on Jean Valjean a peasant released from the galleys after 19 years of imprisonment and his path to become a wealthy man and a better person. It’s a story about unconditional love, tragedy, second-chances and redemption.

The manga adaptation has a length of 350 pages and the original story is very well adapted just like all the previous ones. For someone that wants to know the story of Les Misérables, I definitely recommend this adaptation. The drawings match perfectly the dark atmosphere of 19th century France with the coldness and cruel reality of the period but also the light that comes with hope and redemption. All the emotions of the original novel are there and for me it was even more emotional since it’s not just descriptions but illustrations as well.

A moving story that shows the dark parts of French society for those that weren’t born with privileges and that suffered the injustice of society and life. Valjean that was arrested for 19 years for stealing bread to feed his family; Fancine, abandoned by the man she loved to face the judgement of society for having an illegitimate child, only to die after a battle that she could never win.

A beautiful classic adaptation of a classic made simple with all the emotions of its original. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: While I've seen Les Mis on stage and watched the movie, I've never actually read the book before, so I cannot make any claims as to how much has been changed for this Manga adaption.

That said, I was glad that I knew the story in advance, as I fear there were some aspects I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. Out of necessity the adaption was rather abridged, and some things were left unexplained.

I still really enjoyed it though, and was pleased to finally get my hands on the "source material" to one of the greatest stories in musical history. The drawings were clear and very pretty, and without the sudden change to more doll-like figures that I've often seen in other mangas. I appreciated that deviation from the norm.

What a beautiful story...it breaks my heart every time I experience it, be it on stage, on tv or in a book. This is a wonderful translation of the Les Misérables . The artwork is gorgeous, and the story holds very true to the storyline of this script. When you settle down to read it, just don't forget to grab the tissues!

I remember reading this book years ago and being overwhelmed by language, size and a history I knew nothing about before giving up. This manga has made it a million times more accessible to me and has encouraged me to find the novel and give it another go. I hope it does the same to other readers.