The novel is about the progressive redemption of former convict Jean Valjean, the miserable childhood of Cosette and her relationship with Marius, the sacrifices of Fantine, Théneardier and Javert. "I have just destroyed human fate", Hugo wrote, "I condemn slavery, I drive out misery, I teach ignorance, I treat disease, I make the night clear, I hate hatred. That is what I am and this is the reason why I have written Les Misérables".