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Cosette is a title in the Lastavica library series, based on a portion of Victor Hugo’s famous novel Les Misérables, originally published in 1862. At the heart of the story is the fate of the young girl Cosette; Hugo uses her difficult childhood to powerfully portray poverty, social injustice, and cruelty, as well as human kindness and self-sacrifice.

Cosette’s mother, Fantine, forced to earn a living on her own, leaves her daughter in the care of the innkeepers, the Thénardiers, believing they will look after her well. However, they constantly demand money from Fantine while neglecting and mistreating Cosette. While the Thénardiers' own daughters, Éponine and Azelma, live a privileged life, Cosette performs grueling household chores, is scantily clad, and lives in fear. One of the most striking scenes depicts her venturing alone into the forest at night to fetch water.

Her life changes when she meets Jean Valjean. He is an ex-convict who, after years of persecution, has resolved to live an honest life and help others. Before Fantine’s death, he promised her that he would look after her daughter. Consequently, Valjean takes Cosette away from the Thénardiers and becomes her protector and a father figure. With him, the girl experiences safety, tenderness, and parental love for the first time.

Cosette’s story is one of the most moving tales from Les Misérables. Through the contrast between the cruelty of the Thénardiers and Valjean’s selflessness, Hugo demonstrates how poverty and injustice can shape a childhood, but also how compassion and love can transform a human life. The story thus speaks powerfully of protecting the vulnerable, dignity, kindness, and hope.