Hugo's "Les Misérables" (1862)

Hugo's "Les Misérables" (1862) is a historical novel that explores themes of justice, redemption, and human compassion in 19th-century France. Through the intertwined lives of characters like the ex-convict Jean Valjean, the relentless policeman Javert, and Cosette, a young orphan, the story depicts struggles against societal injustice, poverty, and personal morality. Set against major events like the French Revolution and June Uprising, the novel highlights the importance of mercy and the complex nature of good and evil, ultimately advocating for empathy and social reform.