Sincere, understated performances and overall high-quality production values make "Les Miserables" audio-book from "Focus on the Family RADIO THEATRE" a very enjoyable listening experience. A talented ensemble cast, led by Brian Blessed as Jean Valjean, brings to life Victor Hugo's compelling human drama. The three CDs are paced just right for the most effectiveness in following the story line of a once-lost man's renewal and redemption, and the background music does not overwhelm the actors or distract from the story itself. As the tale unfolds, we are once again reminded of the personal suffering and political turbulence of the era and setting. Through it all, Jean Valjean's path takes unexpected twists and turns from the darkness of a prison galley to the ultimate cleansing light of love and faith. I was multi-tasking as I began listening to this audio-book, but soon I stopped everything else and allowed myself to just listen and be entertained. I visited the "Focus on the Family RADIO THEATRE" website, and I was quite impressed with the roster of talent and intriguing titles that are also offered in audio-book. Treat yourself to books on tape, especially if you can't find much time to read, and don't forget those who are visually impaired and love books.

Audio-Book Copy Gratis Tyndale House Publishers ( )

DISCLAIMER: I am a Les Miserables fanatic!

I have read the full unabridged version of Les Miserables twice, led a discussion on it with my book club (highest score ever), seen it live on stage twice, watched the 10th Anniversary edition of the stage production and listened to the soundtrack of this edition more times than I can count, and watched the 2012 movie version a week before listening to this audio book.

This audio book will be proudly added to my collection of all things Les Miserables!

What a wonderful three hour abridgment that hits all the important elements of mercy and redemption in this story! It is the perfect way to introduce someone to this timeless message. It is also sensitive to a younger audience in that some of the "grittier" elements have been toned down (Fantine really WAS a prostitute in the book, but this is not emphasized in this abridgment making it appropriate for younger listeners.)

The acting is SUPERB. Brian Blessed is a seasoned actor that portrays Jean Valjean wonderfully.

The musical score is also beautiful. It will move you much like the music from the musical version does. I could not stop listening to this dramatization!

Five stars for this fine production that has been re-released to coincide with the release of the 2012 film.

NOTE: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this audio book in exchange for an unbiased review. ( )

This radio drama adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic work was highly recommended by a friend. I had just finished the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre dramatizations of the Chronicles of Narnia and loved them, so I confess my expectations were high. Add to that the fact that Les Misérables is probably my all-time favorite work of fiction, and maybe it's a bit clearer why I felt this fell short in so many ways.

First, I wasn't really a fan of Brian Blessed's interpretation of Valjean. Blessed has a very genial, jovial-country-squire-sounding voice. It sounded far too cultured and educated. I know Valjean did pick up some education when he was the mayor, but it isn't the defining characteristic of his speech. Blessed is a fine actor, but I just didn't think he fit the part very well.

I very much liked the other actors. Thenárdier in particular was great; such a shifty-sounding voice. Cosette and Marius were well-played. Javert was all right, but rather forgettable. The sound effects were well-done, and I liked the music quite a bit.

Of course there is the issue of adaptation itself. I think they tried very hard, but you just can't do justice to a 1200-page book in three hours. I especially lamented the loss of the sewer passage... I know it may not have made for a thrilling listen (slosh-slosh-slosh, endlessly), but was it necessarily to cut it so brutally short? It literally lasts about five seconds, if that.

I went back and forth trying to decide whether to give this three stars or two and a half. I finally fixed on three because, after all, it's Hugo. If you do give this a listen, be sure you've read the unabridged original first (and preferably Charles Wilbour's classic translation!). ( )