This 1862 epic French work of literature was portrayed on stage and on film, as early as 1909 and as recently as 1988, starring Geoffrey Rush and Liam Neeson. What is the title of this work and who wrote it?

Victor Hugo’s monumental 1862 novel is a sprawling epic of 19th-century France that follows the intertwined lives of several characters over decades. Its central story is the moral struggle of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who seeks redemption after a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread, all while being relentlessly pursued by the unyielding police inspector Javert. The 1998 film adaptation specifically featured Liam Neeson in the role of Valjean and Geoffrey Rush as his obsessive nemesis, Javert.

The novel's powerful themes of justice, love, and revolution have made it a source for countless adaptations across different media. Its journey to the screen began very early in cinema history, with a silent version appearing as early as 1909. However, its most famous and enduring incarnation is the blockbuster stage musical that premiered in the 1980s and became a global phenomenon. This beloved musical was itself later adapted into an Oscar-winning 2012 film, cementing the story’s place in modern popular culture and proving the timelessness of Hugo’s characters.