5 Books Like Les Miserables to Broaden Your Literary Horizons

Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a timeless classic that has inspired countless readers with its powerful themes of social justice, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. While Hugo’s storytelling is undoubtedly exceptional, there are many other fantastic novels that explore similar concepts and themes to that of Les Misérables. In this blog post, we will look at five books that are similar to Victor Hugo’s classic and will undoubtedly broaden your literary horizons.

1. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities is Charles Dickens’ novel set during the tumultuous time of the French Revolution. The novel follows the stories of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton, two men who share a striking resemblance but lead entirely different lives. With themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption, this classic novel portrays the darkness of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit, much like Les Misérables. Dickens’ storytelling will keep you captivated as you explore the depths of humanity through the twists and turns of the story.

2. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace is often praised as one of the greatest novels ever written, and for good reason. Leo Tolstoy’s masterpiece is set against the backdrop of Russia’s Napoleonic Wars and follows the lives of several aristocratic families. The novel delves into themes like morality, societal norms, love, and the horrors of war. Much like Les Misérables, War and Peace encompasses a vast array of characters and storylines, showcasing the complexity of the human experience during times of strife.

3. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo is another French classic that deals with themes of justice, vengeance, and redemption. Alexandre Dumas’ novel tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a man who is falsely imprisoned and goes on a harrowing journey to seek justice, revenge, and eventually, redemption. The captivating story is filled with adventure, suspense, and intrigue, offering a rich reading experience, much like that of Les Misérables.

4. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Another literary masterpiece, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, follows the story of a young, impoverished student named Rodion Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov is convinced that, in order to bring about greater good, he is justified in committing a terrible crime. Much like Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Raskolnikov’s decisions lead him on a journey of moral dilemmas and internal struggles. This Russian classic delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the complexities of guilt and redemption throughout its narrative.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Last but certainly not least, To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that poignantly addresses themes of social injustice and moral growth. Harper Lee’s classic tells the story of Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, who come of age in the racially volatile American South during the 1930s. As their father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man falsely accused of rape, the children begin to understand the prejudices ingrained within their society. Much like Les Misérables, this novel presents a powerful portrayal of the evils of injustice and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

These five novels offer profound insights into the human experience, exploring themes of social justice, redemption, and resilience in the face of adversity. If you love Les Misérables, make sure to check out these classics.