What was your experience? I’d like something that flows well in English, but doesn’t stray too far from the original meaning. It should be quite affordable and easy to find. What is the best English translation of the Brick? I’d like something that flows well in English, but doesn’t stray too far from the original meaning. The prose on architecture and life in Paris is probably one of the best parts of the book for me. I genuinely loved the story though. I just finished Les Miserables, and wow. The entirety of the part about the Bishop was so beautiful. I thought the Fahnestock/McAfee translation was really really good, but ended up liking the Denny translation marginally better. The newer translations are: Denny's (1976), Fahnestock and McAfee's (1987), Rose's (2007), and Donougher's (2013). Suggest me a translation of Les Miserables! What a journey. I absolutely love Les Miserables. You should read it! When Julie Rose took on Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, two previous English translations dominated bookstore shelves. Problem is, I can't find a free English translation for my Kindle, and my French is nowhere near good enough to read it in the original French. When I reread the book, I think I'll read Donougher's translation. And, if you've read multiple translations, what differences are there and which one is your favorite? Gavroche does sing to taunt the soldiers during that one scene. How long did it take you to read it? The translation I'm reading is old, yes, but it's still very readable and I feel like the "oldness" of it adds to the charm, if that makes sense. My wife and I have been reading Les Miserables aloud together; she on her Kindle and me from an old paperback copy I've had for years. 5.0 out of 5 stars The best translation of Les Misérables. So, which English translation of Les Misérables is the best? It is our intent and purpose to foster and encourage in-depth discussion about all things related to books, authors, genres, or publishing in a safe, supportive environment. Darren Donougher's is the best translation I've read. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. You can check thrift store book sections for good deals on the brick. Has anyone read a different translated version of Les Miserables they particularly liked? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Tell us what you've enjoyed in the past, or what you're looking for, and let the community suggest a book (or books) for you to read! At first glance of the line it seems like a bummer. After some 1100 pages Jean Valjean's struggle is finally over and it's not even nice outside but Hugo does such a subtle and beautiful reversal. I would prefer a translation that is actually readable. Posts: 41. It is set during the July Revolution which happened years after the French Revolution during the Bourbon monarchy which was installed post Napoleonic wars. Page 1 of 3: 1: 2: 3 > Thread Tools: Search this Thread: 11-27-2009, 03:14 AM #1: angelbleu. Karma: 10. Password: Notices: Tip Got Facebook? How modernized is the language in Donougher's translation? Then sge loses both. I know the various translations of Les Miserables were mentioned before on the thread about Folio's LE of Les Mis, ... Of all of them I enjoyed the Wilbour and the Lee Fahnestock and Norman MacAfee translations the best. Enthusiast . Javert's characterisation and story arc is fantastically done. I can't find my exact copy on amazon, but I'm fairly certain I went off of reviews and picked the best. Press J to jump to the feed. I’m a little over 1000 pages in.