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Les Miserables: Epic Masterpiece by Victor Hugo retold by Marcia Williams
Les Miserables: Epic Masterpiece by Victor Hugo retold by Marcia Williams
Reviewed by: Peg Becksvoort - Falmouth Middle, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: February 9, 2016
Review
Marcia Willams has taken the dense, lengthy story of Les Mis and has condensed it down to the nuggets of the story. Through expressively gritty illustrations, descriptions, and dialog Williams provides readers with a clear synopsis and feel for the original. This method makes accessible and understandable the depth of the original while providing a new, younger reader with an introduction to the elegance of story, plot, and meaning.
The memorable characters of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert haunt each other throughout this rendition that will appeal to students looking for a synopsis better than Cliff Notes, fans who have seen Les Mis on Broadway or in the movies, and those new to the story.
The size is that of a picture book while the format is that of a graphic novel; the audience may not immediately be apparent. I would be comfortable sharing this with ages from 10 through adult. The illustrations mirror the dialog and the action. The story unfolds parallel to the full-sized version.
Excellent
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Williams, Marcia
Illustrator: Williams, Marcia
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763674698
Price: 17.99