“I never read it before. I can hardly explain why. I heard about it when I was very young. I knew it was one of those books everybody ought to read — one of the acknowledged masterpieces of the world. Several times I had an opportunity of reading it but could not prevail on myself to begin it. I always meant to ‘some day’ but the someday never came. What was the reason? I do not know. But this fall I said, ‘Now, I’m going to make myself read Les Miserables.’ I made myself read the first few chapters. Then there was no further making. Or rather, the difficulty lay in making myself stop.
I read hours when I should have been sleeping. One part of me enjoyed the book, another part shuddered in pain over it — but always it was fascinating.
I am through with it — I don’t think I’ll ever want to read it again — but I would have missed a wonder of life if I hadn’t read it.”
