Les Misérables

While the narrative is a work of fiction, Victor Hugo drew inspiration from real historical figures and events, such as the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris and the life of Eugène François Vidocq, a reformed convict who served as a model for the protagonist.

The book is famous for its lengthy digressions where the author pauses the narrative to provide detailed essays on topics such as the history of the French sewer system, the nature of convents, and the battle of Waterloo.

The story has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and a globally renowned stage musical, though many of these versions significantly condense or omit the philosophical essays and historical background found in the original text.