Les Miserables - Abridged or non-abridged?

[Zay]

Has anyone read the full version? Is it worth reading in full?

I'm not stranger to very long books, I've read three 1000-page books before. According to reviews though, the author goes off on a lot of tangents. Are these tangents worth skipping?

[seatdistrict]

If it would be acceptable to read an abridged version, the book probably isn't worth reading. The author's style, etc. is extremely important to a work of literature. If the tangents in Les Miserables were detracting from the work significantly, it probably wouldn't retain it's status as great literature.

[supperrfreek]

Never read the abridged version. You'll miss out on stuff you might want to discuss later.

[The Ninja]

Well I read about 2/3 of the way through the 1000-page version before I put it down. I just felt like I couldn't get ahold of the plot, I never really knew what the point of the story was.

[PROJECT PAT]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v329/PROJECT_PAT/100_1636.jpg

[AdMech]

I enjoyed every page of Les Miserables; I think you might, too. I would definitely go with the unabridged.

[v0x]

NEVER go with an abridged version. I made that mistake a couple times, and have always regretted it. Any shortened version simply PALES in comparison to the real thing. The plot, the characters, every little detail, is so much more interesting and descriptive in the real version. If you commit to a book, commit in full. </rant>

Additionally, on the subject of Les Miserables, I would advise you to definitely read it. The tangents can be a little trying, but once you get past them, there is a great plot and story waiting. Take your time, and don't feel guilty about skimming through some of the longer tangents.

[Silverfuck]

I really loved the unabridged version because even though the tangents can be frustrating and may seem pointless at times, they really do provide a really massive kind of scope to the story and really lend to the historical and cultural context of the story. I don't think that the central story would be quite as colorful if it weren't for all the tangential bits.

I mean, if you just want the bones of the story, I guess the abridged version would be okay, but if you want to experience the life of the story I'd recommend reading the whole thing.

[Zay]

Notre Dame de Paris was excellent(though I thought Esmeralda was a moron) and if it's any indicator I'm definitely psyched to read les miserables unabridged. Thanks for the info.

[Kykeon]

I'm currently mired in the last 300 pages of the 1463 paged version. Reading the unabridged is worth it, even with the thirty or so pages of the history of the Paris sewer system. I don't like people (especially some publishing mook) decided what I can or cannot read.