读后感

Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is not merely a novel—it is an epic tapestry of humanity, weaving together stories of suffering, hope, and the transformative power of compassion across decades of 19th-century France. At its core is Jean Valjean, a former convict imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, whose life is forever altered when a kind bishop offers him mercy instead of punishment. This act sparks a journey of redemption that sees Valjean reinvent himself, only to be relentlessly pursued by the rigid, law-obsessed Inspector Javert. What makes the novel timeless is Hugo’s unflinching exploration of moral complexity. Valjean is no perfect hero; he grapples with guilt and fear even as he dedicates his life to helping others, from the destitute Fantine to her orphaned daughter Cosette. Javert, too, is no one-dimensional villain—his unwavering adherence to justice becomes a tragic flaw that ultimately unravels him. Hugo does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and political upheaval, yet he infuses every page with a belief in the inherent goodness of people. Sprawling yet deeply intimate, Les Misérables reminds readers that redemption is possible for anyone, no matter how far they have fallen. It is a profound meditation on love, sacrifice, and the choice between vengeance and grace—one that continues to resonate with audiences more than a century after its publication.