Another Story Must Begin
A Lent Course Based on Les Miserables
Jonathan Meyer
'Another Story Must Begin is built around the characters, and may well appeal to those who might be hesitant about joining a traditional Bible-based study. Hugo’s novel is essentially about issues of suffering, repentance, forgiveness, and grace; so the Christian content, including Bible passages, feels appropriate and unforced. Meyer devised it for his own parish, where scenes of the film were shot. It may reach parts of other congregations, too, which traditional courses fail to attract.'
ANOTHER STORY MUST BEGIN is an original Lent course based on the film, the novel and the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Through discussion of some of the themes and principal characters of this epic narrative, the course explores the grace of God and our own fallen state and opportunity for redemption, and helps us to reassess what we can do with our lives and for those around us.
The course is based around five weekly group sessions:
• Fantine and Cosette
• The Bishop of Digne
• Jean Valjean
• Javert
• Redemption and Salvation
Each session includes watching scenes from the Oscar-winning movie starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway (with timing references for the DVD), and questions and reflections for group discussion. Each session also includes introductory reading, notes for leaders, related Bible passages and suggested closing prayers.