Les Miserables (Manga Classics)

by Hugo

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Manga Classics: Les Miserables from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I’ve read a few of the Manga Classics by now, and I’m still in love with the concept. Translating the classics into manga is a brilliant idea, with an end result of more accessibility and beautiful artwork. It’s a win-win if you ask me. I can’t wait to continue my read through of this gorgeous series!
For those unfamiliar with Manga Classics, they are not a retelling but an adaptation. I’ve read enough of them by now to say that I trust Stacy King implicitly on her handling of the subject matter. She stays true to the plot and tone of the story, while condensing it down into 300 to 350 pages. Combined with artwork that is aesthetically pleasing and is depicting the scenes accurately (the characters look like I’d expect them to, the scenery matching the descriptions in the original, etc).
Les Miserables is probably the most gut-wrenching of the Manga Classics series. Seriously, if you’re going to read this, be ready to cry. Seeing the characters emotions (as opposed to simply reading them) will rend your heart in twain. I thought I was prepared for the ending (having seen the play), but let me assure you that I was not. Apparently there’s no way to prepare for all the feels that Les Miserables will drop upon you. Don’t let that scare you off though – despite the fact that it will, in no uncertain terms make you cry, it is wholly worth reading and experiencing.

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