Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, Les Misérables begins its sweeping epic with the story of Fantine, a young woman abandoned and forced into poverty to provide for her child. At the heart of this first volume is Jean Valjean, a former convict hardened by years of injustice but transformed by a single act of kindness. As Valjean struggles to leave his past behind, he is relentlessly pursued by the rigid Inspector Javert, who believes redemption is impossible for a criminal. In Fantine, Victor Hugo weaves a powerful tale of suffering, hope, and the enduring fight for dignity. This first volume introduces the central themes of the novel: justice, love, morality, and the possibility of redemption in a world that often denies it. A timeless classic, Les Misérables continues to resonate with readers around the world for its emotional depth and profound social commentary.