Jean Valjean has a background of a prisoner, but with a new identity he manages to create a career as a factory owner and a mayor. Not everyone is as lucky as Jean Valjean, though. A woman called Fantine has started to work at Jean Valjean's factory, but she soon gets fired due to an illegitimate child. Fantine has no choice – she is forced to to a life of prostitution. Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' is one of the most significant European novels. It takes place in the early 1800's France, and it follows the tragic paths of multiple characters. 'Les Miserables' has been filmed into a movie numerous times. In 2012 Tom Hooper directed a movie starring Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe and Anne Hathaway.