Quotes from bookLes Misérables

Les Misérables is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title. However, several alternatives have been used, including The Miserables, The Wretched, The Miserable Ones, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims and The Dispossessed. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for film, television and the stage, including a musical.
“As with stomachs, we should pity minds that do not eat.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“The sadness which reigned everywhere was but an excuse for unfailing kindness.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“You ask me what forces me to speak? a strange thing; my conscience.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Variant: The future has many names: For the weak, it means the unattainable. For the fearful, it means the unknown. For the courageous, it means opportunity.
Source: Les Misérables
“If I speak, I am condemned.
If I stay silent, I am damned!”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Variant: A doctor’s door should never be closed, a priest's door should always be open.
Source: Les Misérables
“Faith is necessary to men; woe to him who believes in nothing!”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“… Man lives by affirmation even more than he does by bread.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables