Actually I’ve never thought about it until now, but I like it and I’m getting some ideas!
When Enjolras was little, he always had trouble with speech. He was okay talking to his family and friends, but when he had to present in front of his class he’d always talk quietly and stutter.
His classmates made fun of him for it, and he closed himself off.
When he got to college he had to take a required public speaking class, and he was terrified.
He eventually met and joined Les Amis and would quietly give his input to Combeferre, who would share it for him.
As he began to feel more comfortable with Les Amis though, he was able to share his own thoughts and opinions. They appreciated him for who he was, not looking down on him for any disability.
Once he got comfortable with speaking in front of Les Amis, they encouraged him to speak for a small protest. He didn’t stutter once.
Enjolras came to realize that when he was speaking about something he was passionate about, he could do it clearly, and if he ever got nervous, he would just look to his friends and gather courage from them.
Hope that was okay! I don’t have a lot of experience with autism, so if any of that was inaccurate or offensive please tell me!
I’ve always struggled with this for books written 100+ years ago. I suggest looking past the problematic parts like the ones you mentioned and looking at all the things it does right – the ideas of the revolution are focused on the poor not wanting to be oppressed by an overmighty government – a very relatable theme. The characters a lot of the time are fighting for the rights of those less fortunate.
My most recent English project was actually on feminism in Les Mis and my conclusion was yes, it’s pretty sexist in the details and some of the stuff they say, but look at how women are used to advance the novel (fantine isn’t blamed for her fall, but instead the guy who abandoned her is, rightfully so).
If all else fails, be glad that times have changed and that you’re clearly a good person for being able to recognise the problematic parts – not everyone is as well educated/sensible.
The good thing is that the modern fandom of Les Mis is very very liberal and diverse, and so even whilst the book is problematic, the modern versions are the opposite.
2. After every episode, there is a preview for the next. The people who talk through these previews are little shits.
3. Little Cosette, Azelma and Eponine are adorable.
4. Enjolras is an inspiration.
5. Quality moments of classic Pontmercy.
6. Courfeyrac’s lack of boundaries.
7. ExR, baby.
8. The insightful introspection of the main characters.
9. There are some communication breakdowns when it comes to French names.
If that hasn’t convinced you, consider the following: Gavroche has a dog sidekick (that’s bigger than him) for some reason, you get to see Enjolras’ reaction to fangirls, Montparnasse is involved, and, oh yeah, it’s Les Mis.
“Grantaire added to the eccentric accentuation of words and ideas, a peculiarity of gesture; he rested his left fist on his knee with dignity, his arm forming a right angle, and, with cravat untied, seated astride a stool, his full glass in his right hand, he hurled solemn words.”
¯_( ಠ_ಠ)_/¯ 