Les Misérables is completely different from any other book I have ever read. Unlike most modern books, Victor Hugo is not only concerned with the story immediately surrounding his characters, but with creating an accurate picture of the entire country and time period in which the story takes place. At times, this can make the book feel a little frustrating and long-winded. However, there is space for a great deal of character development, complex relationships and evocative description in 1400 pages! Consequently, I became hypnotically immersed in the life of Jean Valjean and the atmosphere of post-revolutionary France. I felt a genuine sense of loss after turning the final pages. Although it takes some motivation, I really do believe that Les Mis is a book worth reading. So with that in mind, here are my 9 tips to help you reach the finish line: