'Breathtaking' BBC period drama based on 'true masterpiece' novel leaves fans sobbing

Another BBC period drama series has received rave reviews from viewers. Based on the iconic novel of the same name by Victor Victor Hugo, Les Misérables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man serving a 19-year prison sentence for stealing bread. The freed prisoner struggles to escape his past as he continues to try and evade his relentless pursuer Inspector Javert years later. The series also focuses on seamstress Fantine, a struggling mother who turns to desperate measures to support herself and her daughter Cosette. Valjean and Fantine find their worlds colliding as they attempt to survive in war-torn France. Les Misérables boasts a star-studded cast to play the novel's most recognisable characters, with Dominic West, David Oyelowo and Lily Collins starring as Valjean, Javert and Fantine.

Meanwhile, Olivia Colman and Adeel Akhtar star as corrupt innkeepers Madame and Monsieur Thenardier. The series also features Derek Jacobi, David Bradley and Josh O'Connor. The six-part series was adapted by Andrew Davies and released on BBC One in 2018. French author and poet Victor Hugo released Les Misérables in 1862, 17 years after he began writing it. The iconic book has been the subject of a number of adaptations from films, musicals, plays, TV series and remains one of the greatest novels of the 19th century.

It has been hailed a "true masterpiece" by readers online, who expressed their admiration for Hugo's work. One wrote: "I finally finished Les Miserables! I've always started and stopped. But I finally finished this epic. I've loved the musical for 30+ years. I know it by heart. But the book? It's 1000 times better. It's a work of art, a masterpiece. I want to read 10x more!"

Another agreed: "Victor Hugo sheds light on the diverse and profound social landscape of 19th-century France in "Les Misérables". The book is not only a masterpiece of literature but also a valuable source of knowledge."

A third echoed: "I literally read this part of Les Miserables yesterday. So great to see Hugo's handwriting. When I see a manuscript like this I often wonder what is underneath the erased sections. The book is a true masterpiece."

The series has also been lauded by viewers, who confessed they were "speechless" after watching what they branded one of the greatest adaptations of all time.

One penned: "Huge well done to the @BBC for its adaptation of #LesMisPBS. Simply breathtaking. There is a BBC miniseries on Les Miserables that stays true to the book. It is one of the best book to screen adaptations I have ever seen."

Another posted: "I am speechless! From the very best period drama series I have ever seen - along with Downton Abbey,War and Peace and a very few more. I am amazed by the production value. The adaptation and the script are miraculously excellent, the director is a genius, the cast, the sets and costumes, the music, the atmosphere absolutely brilliant. Dominic West - what a surprise - he is simply superb. This is the original, unbeatable BBC. Well done."

Admitting they were left sobbing, a third added: "Finally got to watch the last episode of the BBC's Les Miserables. Tears and snotters. Book, stage show, film and now this, it always ends in tears and snotters for me."

Another said: "I saw Les Miserables many years ago with Richard Jordan and didn't think I would ever see another version as good. How wrong was I ? I was hooked from the start of Les Miserables on bbc1 and Dominic West was outstanding, I do not think anyone else could had played him so brilliantly, he is fantastic, definitely the best man to play him, a fantastic choice !!! Everyone played their part fantastically. Make sure you have the tissues to hand, it's very emotional."