{My thoughts} – This was the Manga I was most concerned about reading for a review. I’d picked up the original novel years back and after a couple of pages stuffed it back on my bookshelf. Let’s be honest here, although it is known to be a great book, well written, with a nice story line. It has a massively boring start and I couldn’t force myself to get into it.

I didn’t have that issue with this version of the classic. In this version all the boring stuff seemed to be eliminated leaving you to enjoy the actual story. The illustrations help to share that story in such a wonderful way, that it’s really hard to say I didn’t like this book. Reading through this book, almost made me want to try and pick up the original and attempt to read it again. I say almost, I am not sure my sanity could survive it!

I really enjoyed the way in which the book was simplified and made easy to understand. I enjoyed the illustrations and the ability to feel and see what the author was trying to convey. I really do think that this book is one of the best adaptations I have read through of a book that I’d in the past found to be extremely difficult to get into! I can see this book becoming popular with individuals wanting to read the classics but not wanting to be bored to death with a bunch of un-needed background.

I cannot openly say that I will pick up the original after reading this book. But I will give it some thought. I am really enjoying being able to read the classics in this way! It is giving me a whole new perspective, and lets face it, sometimes that’s awesome! A lot of these Manga Classics seem like old stories brought to life through a new light! And to me, that’s what is making them so wonderful and fun to read. ( )

Having been intrigued by Les Misérables for years, I was excited to get my hands on this Manga Classics version—it felt like a natural next step to gaining the courage to tackle the original book. What a story!

This was my first manga read, but it won’t be my last. I did struggle with the artistic style a little (I didn’t feel like it was always that modest), but other than that, this book seems to stay true to the original story. It somehow manages to preserve the complexity of the plot and characters, but do it in a concise, easy-to-understand way. I don’t know how Chan and the team did it, but I’m impressed!

I fell in love with Cossette and Marius all over again, felt my heart bleed a little for Fantine, and admired Jean Valjean’s courage, love, and tenacity all over again. This is a story of realistic people in an uncertain time, and while it shows a glimpse into the depths of depravity humans can stoop to, it also shows a ray of hope—that good can come out of the darkness.

A worthwhile read—one you’ll likely never forget. Highly recommended!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it. ( )

I hadn't ready Les Miserable before this. It has been on my TBR list for a long time. When I saw this adaptation of it, I knew I had to try it. I am a new manga reader. I love the graphics and the style of manga. I didn't realize what I was missing. The story is beautiful. I think I'll have to read the written version now.

*Thank you to Netgalley for providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.* ( )

This book was absolutely amazing. Les Mis is one of my favorite plays plus I love manga, so I was really excited when someone have me a copy of this for Christmas this year!! I was singing along to the songs as certain events were happening and since it was a retelling and not a rendition the book was pretty spot on. Nothing seemed out of place, it was a very good and enjoyable representation of Les Misérables. The only thing I would have enjoyed better was a teensy but more ABC guys page time. The only ither negative thing I have to say is that the character design for Javert bothered me a little bit too because he had these two hair curls that's came down like bangs and I'd always pictured him has short haired, clean-cut but it wasn't that big of a deal. All in all a 5-star book! ( )

I'm not a big comic book reader, but I like to try something new which is why I decided to read this Manga when I found it on Netgalley.

At first it really confused me. I've seen the movie version of Les Miserables with Hugh Jackamn and the Manga started with the end! I didn't understant anything until I tried to look in the back of the book. Thankfully, there was a guide to tell my how to read Manga. I felt like and idiot (still do!).

Once I started reading it like it is supposed to, I really enjoyed it. Since I know the story, I spend a lot of time admiring the drawing. Tszmei Lee is very talented and the book is beautiful in both drawing and story. I especially adored the way the love between Marius and Cosette is drawn – so amazing and so captivating.

I would love to read more classics drawn by Tszmei Lee and I think the idea is brilliant! ( )