The novel revolves around the story of a family's rise to power and wealth in a small town in France during the Second Empire period. The protagonist, a clever and ambitious young man, returns to his hometown after making a fortune in Paris and begins to buy up land and properties, eventually becoming the wealthiest and most influential person in the area. Through his machinations, he destroys the lives of several people, including his own family members, while accumulating wealth and power.
By Émile Zola · First published 1874 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Social Commentary · 23 chapters