Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Everyone has to read Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, once. I feel like a horrible person for saying that I didn't love it. It's VERY long. Way too long. Hugo describes the Battle of Waterloo in real time. He delights in describing the smallest details. Unfortunately, for me, that was a distraction that did not add to the story.

Obviously the main story is great. Jean Valjean's fall, rise, and fall are the reason the book touches so many. The interweaving stories of Fantine, Inspector Javert, and Collette point to so many big themes of redemption, mercy, and justice. 

If the book was about half as long, I know I'd love it. I hate that the details caused me to get so bogged down.