In this literary masterpiece author Victor Hugo takes his readers on a walk through the streets of Paris. Hugo did not write a work of historical fiction, he wrote what he lived, what he saw everyday. He wrote in hopes of opening the eyes of the people to what he considered France’s greatest need, love!  He invited his readers into his world. Now he invites you to come and see what Paris looked like and felt like in 1815. Victor Hugo used his literary talent to bring a myriad of characters to life, each with a unique story to tell, each facing struggles, each looking for hope, each reaching out for something unseen, as they fight to overcome the hardships that face them. Your heart will be touched as you journey with Jean Valjean on the difficult road from convict towards redemption. Along the way you will cry with Cosette as she faces her fears.  You will find yourself fighting an inward battle as you watch Javier struggle between justice and mercy, and your heart will swell with emotion as you meet other characters whose life struggles may overtake them. Sometimes God shows His redeeming love by strengthening us in our trials, and sometimes by allowing us to leave worldly trials behind as we reach upward towards a new and eternal life. 
 

These conceptual designs strive to portray the message of Victor Hugo's epic work: "God's Redeeming Love Is Greater Than Any Earthly Struggle" 

In this design I used a tattered French flag to create a unique font, I wanted to play off the the colors of the flag, by adding a red rose. Readers will recognize the candlestick as the symbol of love that is offered to Jean Valjean, a candlestick that changes the course of his life! The red rose blooming represents the change in his character. The haze in the background gives the idea of darkness and despair.  My hope is to convey the idea that God’s love empowers us to bloom, even through darkness and trial. Thus alluding to the core message of the book, that God’s redeeming love is greater than earthly struggle.

This design shows withered, dried up roses, along side a beautiful stark white rose. These symbols represent the redemptive love and power of God to heal and bring forth new life. Many of the characters in Hugo's book find themselves tattered, worn, and wilted, fighting life's struggles. Each one, like us, is seeking a new life, seeking redemption through a higher power. Hugo's message is that God has power to redeem, power to heal and through His love we become new. 

This is my favorite of all the designs I created. The image of a dove taking flight from a ball and chain perfectly symbolizes the power that God's redeeming love has over any trial we face here on earth. Through each beautifully created character in his book, Hugo shows us that we can overcome our trials and feel the redeeming power of God's love in our lives.  

Victor Hugo's message was simple, yet profound.

If you reach out to Him, He will heal you.