"I will weep with you over the children of kings, provided that you will
weep with me over the children of the people" ― Victor Hugo, Les
Misérables Les Misérables (1862) by Victor Hugo recounts the story of
Jean Valjean who was convicted for stealing a loaf of bread to feed the
starving children of his sister. Snubbed by society for being a former
convict, he struggles to live virtuously. But an unexpected act of mercy
and compassion by Bishop Myriel changes his life, encouraging him to
become a new man. Valjean's righteous actions change people's lives in
surprising ways. He eventually becomes the mayor of the town and also
saves people around him from imprisonment and probable death. Offering a
criticism of the French political and judicial systems, Les Misérables
interestingly and effectively elaborates upon the history of France.