I've read many books and I think that Jean Valjean is probably the best-written character I have experienced so far, although there are certainly other great ones in literature. The book had me hooked from the beginning, when the escaped convict Valjean decides to spare the Bishop's life and turns his own life around. *sigh*

I could easily have chosen another book from several, but this was the first that came to my mind. I wish you would do this meme so I could see your choices!