Having seen several film versions, and the stage show, you could say I was already a fan of this story. However, I was always puzzled by the unexplained bits - how did Jean Valjean enter Paris over the city walls ? What exactly was the circumstance surrounding his initial arrest ? 19 Years for stealing a loaf was excessive even for pre-revolution France, and lots, lots more.
All of the detail and explanations are here.
The book is fascinating as it is a marvellous social history of France, but the author/translator has also provided references for each chapter which very helpfully inform the reader. You can read and enjoy the book without referring to these, but I found they enhanced the story.
As for Victor Hugo's tale itself, it is a masterpiece. The storytelling is exquisite, and it certainly reads as a modern tale, but the language is rich and well put together.
At over a 1,000 pages, this is no beachside escapist book - what it is, is a return to fantastic, richly woven storytelling, with a message about life, that hits you hard in the guts, and makes you sit up and want more.
It is compelling, wretched, miserable, heartening and uplifting by turns.
I defy any reader who is tired of the pap that often passes as literature today, not to be excited by this magnificent book.