The novel revolves around the story of a working-class family living in a small town in northern France during the mid-19th century. The protagonist, Octave Mouret, is a charismatic and ambitious young man who rises to wealth and prominence through his marriage to a wealthy widow. However, his success is built on deceit and manipulation, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
By Émile Zola · First published 1882 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Drama · 4 chapters