Les Miserables: Epic Masterpiece by Victor Hugo retold by Marcia Williams

Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Marcia Willams has taken the dense, lengthy story of Les Mis and has condensed it down to the nuggets of the story. Through expressively gritty illustrations, descriptions, and dialog Williams provides readers with a clear synopsis and feel for the original. This method makes accessible and understandable the depth of the original while providing a new, younger reader with an introduction to the elegance of story, plot, and meaning.

The memorable characters of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert haunt each other throughout this rendition that will appeal to students looking for a synopsis better than Cliff Notes, fans who have seen Les Mis on Broadway or in the movies, and those new to the story.

The size is that of a picture book while the format is that of a graphic novel; the audience may not immediately be apparent. I would be comfortable sharing this with ages from 10 through adult. The illustrations mirror the dialog and the action. The story unfolds parallel to the full-sized version.

Excellent

Overall Book Score: excellent