Not-deciding factor: Iran’s supreme leader

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing bread, seeks redemption after being freed. Pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert, he becomes a benefactor to Fantine, a struggling single mother, and vows to protect her daughter, Cosette. As Valjean evades capture while improving the lives of others, the story explores themes of justice, mercy, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst poverty and social injustice. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, the narrative culminates in the Paris Uprising of 1832, where the characters' fates intertwine. 'Les Misérables' is a sprawling epic that examines moral dilemmas and the fight for dignity.

Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck. It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members. The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity. It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society[2][4][5].