First published 2017
Jean Valjean walks free after nineteen years in prison for stealing bread. The former convict must report regularly to authorities in 19th century France, branded forever as a criminal. When Bishop Myriel shows him unexpected mercy, Valjean abandons his parole and vows to live honestly under a new identity. But Inspector Javert refuses to let him escape. The rigid lawman tracks Valjean across France, determined that justice demands punishment regardless of rehabilitation. Valjean's flight intersects with desperate lives. He rescues Cosette from her mother Fantine's death and the cruel Thenardiers who exploit the child. Years later, revolution erupts in Paris where young Marius and Enjolras fight on the barricades. Eponine loves Marius hopelessly while he pursues Cosette, now grown beautiful under Valjean's protection. Through each crisis, Javert closes in, forcing Valjean to choose between his safety and protecting those he loves. This adaptation of Victor Hugo's epic explores whether mercy can triumph over rigid justice.
Genres: drama, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure, crime, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: France, Paris
Period: 19th Century
Paperback · Playscripts, Inc.
Content warnings: violence