After seeing the excellent production of the musical, Les Mis, at Cranford HS in February, I was inspired to read the book by Victor Hugo. What I admire about the writing is Hugo's remarkable ability to have the reader really be part of the character's inner debate with self. The characters are not just "good" or "bad". Even Javert the relentless and omnipresent police has a philosophy and consistent moral code which makes him act the way he does. It was well worth reading through the 1500 pages. -Vivian H.