I love Les Miserables. I love the story, I love the musical (I just had the opportunity to be in it,) and I love just about anything having to do with it. As you can imagine, I was so excited when this audio book came up for review since I also happen to LOVE Focus on the Family and their audio books. All excited, I inserted the first CD into my player.

And I was not disappointed.

Wonderful narration, brilliant acting... this audio book did great justice to Victor Hugo's story. Being an audio book, they couldn't fit the entire story in, and that may throw some people off. But if you let yourself appreciate the work for what it is: a wonderful, enjoyable adaptation, there shouldn't be a problem.

I highly recommend this, and any other Focus on the Family audio books. It really does bring the story to life in a fantastic way. I hope that you'll buy this audio book for yourself to see how nice it is. Thank you Tyndale for giving me the opportunity to review it!

Being thrilled with the Focus on the Family radio theatre adaptation of the Chronicles of Narnia, I jumped at the chance to listen to their version of Victor Hugo's classic tale. Having seen the musical several times and watched the newest movie, I thought I knew the story well. I was in for a surprise. This radio drama brings in many aspects of the book that are left out of the Broadway and Hollywood versions that better develop the themes of redemption and mercy. I was blown away!

While I realize that this is a family-friendly version of the story, I was disappointed that this adaptation denies that Fantine had to descend to the depths to keep her daughter and herself alive. Fantine and Valjean on several occasions skirt around the issue, lead the listener to believe that she is innocent of any such claim, and never deal with how she survived after being fired from the factory. I would not want graphic details included, but I believe it could have been addressed in a 'safe for family listening' way to further develop the themes.

The cast is strong, the background sound effects are not overdone and the score is fitting (although difficult to get used to when you have the original score memorized). There are 3 CDs and the story is 169 minutes long — it could have been longer! It was my middle school children who kept begging to put the story back on while on a recent road trip — they loved it! This is a wonderful adaptation of Les Miserables and is a must have audio book for your next road trip!

I give this audiobook 5 stars out of 5.

I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

i had purchased Les Mis fr Focus when it first came out and it was an instant family hit. It became a tradition to listen once a year (along w/A Christmas Carol). I lent it out to many families and at some point it was never returned. My daughters have asked frequently if we would repurchase it. One of my daughters completed Victor Hugo's unabridged work this year. I just had to buy it for them for Christmas. It is a beautifully done production that showcases the love and mercy of our savior Jesus Christ.

I really enjoyed this "radio theatre" drama. I have listened to many others and enjoyed this so much I ordered a few and gave them as gifts. It has wonderful character building qualities and just encourages us to do "the right thing" even when it is hard. It is great for all ages, young and old. I would definitely order other Focus on the Family dramas.

Made the mistake of loaning this out. (1 to many times). Never got it back. But I know where to get a new one. Thank you Chirstianbooks for having Radio Theatre (and Focus on the Family) for all the wonderful stories they have done, I could listen over and over again. (and I do) I am hooked. Makes my commuting a true joy, no hurry to get home. Sometimes I will find myself setting in the carport, hating to turn the story off. What a great investment.