For this month’s book, I would like to recommend Les Misérables Vol. 1 by Victor Hugo.

Many people may know Les Misérables simply as a story about the French Revolution or about Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread.
However, the novel itself is far richer and more human than that impression suggests.
The novel follows Jean Valjean, a former prisoner trying to rebuild his life after years of punishment and rejection from society.
Through his journey and the lives of those around him, the book explores kindness, justice, forgiveness, and second chances in a very human way.

What stayed with me most was how the novel reminds us that people are often far more layered and complex than they first appear.
Reading the original novel also gives much deeper context to the well-known film and musical adaptation, especially in understanding why each character acts the way they do: why Bishop Myriel chose to forgive Jean Valjean, why Jean Valjean ultimately confessed himself, and why Javert could no longer continue living after confronting his own beliefs.

Although Les Misérables spans five volumes in total, Vol. 1 stands very well on its own and naturally leaves you curious about the rest of the story.
I hope some of you may enjoy it alongside your research and daily routines.