Victor Hugo is probably best known for his novels written during the French Revolution. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Les Miserable” have been made into popular movies over time. He was considered a romantic. He was also an artist and a poet. In my opinion he had a way of knitting words together in a very special way. The craftsmanship and love of the written word is apparent in his work. He was also an advocate against the death penalty. He lived most of his life in France and died in Paris. He witnessed the perils of the French Revolution nd wove them into his stories and poems. His lifestyle wasn’t much different than the artists of his day.

France at the turn of the 18th century was under an oppressive government.  There were despicable working conditions – extreme punishment for stealing a loaf of bread – prisons and workhouse were full – sin ran rampant.  Out of the ashes of that existence rose the French Revolution.  A few became many, just as happened during the American Revolution.  Victor Hugo wrote this story of redemption to show that there was hope even in the darkest of situations.

We, as Americans, have had a long history with the people of France.  We’re bound by the cords of democracy.  They came to our assistance in the early days of our country’s existence and sent troops to help us establish a free country.  We not only owe them a debt of gratitude but should consider them our brothers. Is it time for another revolution?  Perhaps the cry for freedom must be heard around the world once more.

In the musical,”Les Misérables,” the song, “Who am I,” resonates with the doubts and fears of a man who has lost sight of God in the struggle of his life but finds the truth of redemption later on.  Let’s not wait to discover who we are.  We’re redeemed by the God of the Universe, so freedom is truly ours.