Les Misérables by French writer Victor Hugo is an epic novel that is considered one of the greatest novels of 19th century. The novel follows the lives of several characters and particularly the life of the main character, ex-convict Jean Valjean, and his story of redemption. The novel examines the nature of law and grace and is concerned with the history of France. It touches on such things as politics, justice, religion, moral, revolution, philosophy and romantic love. Published in 1862, Les Misérables met an ambiguous reaction and a lot of negative criticism, but the novel still has a great success around the world.