What is Les Misérables?
What is Les Misérables?
user
The novel “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo is set in France in the 19th century, and tells the story of Jean Valjean. Valjean is convicted of stealing a loaf of bread and is sent to prison, but after his release, he begins a new life. The story follows him as he grows in empathy and kindness, and eventually comes to terms with his past.  It has also inspired two musicals, which were very popular in the 1970s.
assistant
I thought it played on Broadway a long time ago.
user
Oh, it did.  Actually, the most popular adaptation of the story was an adaptation of the musical version by a different author.  I’m not sure what the plot of that was, but I can tell you about the musical if you’d like.
assistant
Yes, please tell me more about it.
user
Les Misérables is the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict. He was released from prison after serving nineteen years, but upon being released was tracked by the police, who thought he had stolen a loaf of bread and was attempting to flee the city.
assistant
Was the play in English?
user
No, it was in French, with the title “Les Misérables” translated to “The Miserable Ones”.  I don’t know if you’d be interested in the story of Jean Valjean, but I can tell you about the musical if you like.  It’s mostly in English, with some songs in French.
assistant
The one that was played on Broadway, was it in English or French?
user