The Epic Journey: How Long Did It Take Victor Hugo to Write Les Miserables?

Victor Hugo, the renowned French author, dedicated almost a decade to crafting one of the most celebrated and influential works in literature: Les Misu00e8rables. The creation of this masterpiece was a prolonged and meticulous process that spanned over a dozen years.

Initial Inspiration and Inspiration

Victor Hugo began the writing of his iconic novel in 1845. At first, he wrote the first draft of the primary structure, spanning four books:

The History of a Saint The History of a Man The History of a Woman The History of a Doll

However, Hugo did not stay focused on this project for long. His writing was interrupted by a two-year exile sentence during Napoleon III's reign. During this time, Hugo continued to write other books, but his work on Les Misu00e8rables resumed as he returned from exile in 1856.

Finalizing the Masterpiece

The final version of Les Misu00e8rables emerged in 1862, having undergone numerous revisions and additions. Richard Trudeau, a screenwriter, explains that Hugo's hero's name was originally Jean Tru00e9jean, but was later changed to Jean Valjean, as we know him today.

The Importance of Persistence

Trudeau, currently hired by a producer to write the sequel to "Les Miz," reflects on the value of persistence in creative endeavors. His experience working on this monumental project has taught him the importance of humility and the process of continuous refinement in storytelling. As a screenwriter, he understands the monumental impact of this literary work and the challenges in maintaining its spirit in a different medium.

Conclusion

The fact that it took Victor Hugo about 12 years to write Les Misu00e8rables speaks to the depth of his commitment to his craft and the complexity of the story he was telling. From 1845 to 1862, Hugo worked tirelessly to complete this masterpiece, which has since become a timeless classic and a touchstone of literature.