The novel "Les Misérables" is a deeply moving and emotional story that narrates the tragic tale of Jean Valjean, a very poor man who, in order to save his family from hunger, is forced to steal a simple loaf of bread. From that moment on, he is condemned and imprisoned by the police. However, as he nears the end of his sentence, he escapes and is subsequently condemned again. He repeats this several times, ultimately spending 19 years in prison for having stolen just a loaf of bread.

Upon gaining his freedom, he searches the city for a place to sleep and eat. However, he is turned away from all the inns because their owners consider him one of the worst criminals ever. Cold and hungry, he knocks on the door of a bishop’s house, who welcomes him with kindness, despite knowing who he is. Jean Valjean steals candlesticks and some cutlery from the bishop, but he is soon caught by the police and brought back to the bishop's house. The bishop, however, lies, claiming he had given the items to Valjean and forgives him.

Feeling remorseful, Jean Valjean realizes how hypocritical he has been and decides to practice honesty and kindness toward others. In Germany, he becomes a mayor and owner of a factory. Although he is wealthy, he is constantly pursued by Inspector Javert, a very strict man dedicated to his profession. Yet, Jean always manages to escape Javert’s traps due to his strength and skills. After changing his identity and adopting the name Madeleine, he meets a woman named Fantine, who has a daughter named Cosette. Cosette lives with the Thénardier family, as her mother cannot afford to care for her. She is treated like a slave, mistreated, and humiliated by the couple’s daughters, though her mother remains unaware.

One day, Fantine passes away, and Jean Valjean, having promised her he would care for Cosette, sets out to find the girl. When he arrives, he takes her to live with him. Jean raises Cosette as his own daughter, offering her love and paternal affection.

Over time, Cosette meets a young man and eventually marries him. Her adoptive father, Jean, begins to live alone. Occasionally, he is visited by Cosette and her husband. However, the absence of his daughter for several months causes him to fall seriously ill. Knowing this, Cosette goes to visit him, but when she arrives, he is near death. Yet, with her presence, he feels relieved and passes away in her arms.

On his grave, there is only a simple inscription: “He sleeps. Though fortune was against him, he lived. He died when he lost his angel; he departed with the same simplicity as the arrival of night after day.”