Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

After serving nineteen years in prison for stealing bread, Jean Valjean is transformed by an act of mercy and vows to live an honest life. He rises to become a respected man but must constantly evade Inspector Javert, who relentlessly pursues him. Along the way, Valjean protects the orphaned Cosette and becomes caught in the political unrest of revolutionary France. The plot weaves together themes of justice, love, sacrifice, and redemption. A sweeping epic of human struggle and moral triumph.