***This epic story of Les Misérables recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France from 1815 to 1833. 

Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year punishment back into French society. 

    He quickly falls into crime after being denied honest work for his past, but encounters the Bishop of Digne, who helps to bring him to salvation. Valjean turns from his ways and finds his Faith in God, and starts a new life. He becomes the mayor of a prosperous town and through tragedy becomes a loving adoptive father to a young girl named Cosette – violating his parole in the process.

    The relentless Police Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him over many years. As the backdrop of the desperate and starving poor of Paris, and the June Rebellion of 1832 (which novel author Victor Hugo witnessed in his life) prevails, we see Valjean's pursuit of Truth and Love. After Valjean goes against his own intentions, forgives his enemies and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Cosette at the barricades, we see him finally rest as he is reminded "To love another person is to see the face of God."