Sunday, January 27, 2013

Review: Les Misérables

Recently, we had the opportunity to review a Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production, Oliver Twist.  We enjoyed that immensely and were reminded about how much we have enjoyed every one of the Radio Theatre products we have listened to.  So when Les Misérables was offered to me, you better believe I jumped at that chance.

My kids were  only a bit skeptical.  You know, why do we want to listen to a story when we can't even pronounce the title?

But they have learned that once I say yes, they are stuck, so they decided to make the best of it.

It took about a chapter for them to be completely sucked in.  Focus on the Family Radio Theatre does a fabulous job.  As always.

If you haven't read Les Misérables (I have started it), or seen the musical or one of the movies, there is a basic synopsis of the plot in this description from Tyndale:
The story that has thrilled millions comes to life in a brand new way in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's Les Miserables. This audio drama beautifully portrays the redeeming power of forgiveness through the story of Jean Valjean, an embittered convict whose life is changed by a single act of kindness. Recorded in London with some of England's finest actors, it will mesmerize adults and families alike.
I was familiar with the storyline, and it sure seemed that this production stayed fairly true to that.  Minus most of the extra non-plot discussions about the sewers of Paris or the Battle of Waterloo.  From reading a reasonably detailed plot synopsis, I noticed a few differences between this production and the original story.  Obviously, though, to condense an enormous novel into less than three hours of audio, you are going to have to make some changes.

The cast is fantastic and the music and sound effects enhance the story. This production convinced me to seriously start reading the book again, and it also got my husband to put one of the film versions on hold at the library.

You can check out a very brief clip to hear it for yourself.


I highly, highly recommend this production.  You can purchase it either as a download or as CDs.

Disclaimer:   I received this production for free from Tyndale House Publishers.  No other compensation was received.  The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

3 comments:

Angie McFarren said...

Thanks for sharing the review. You have encouraged me to read the book, well at least see the movie. :)

Blessings,
Angie

Debra said...

Angie! Glad I encouraged you to check into it! I really am glad that we finally did...

Jennifer said...

Focus on the Family does such a great job with their audio dramas. Thanks for sharing about this one. :)