The novel explores the lives of several characters in three cities: Lourdes, Rome, and Paris. It delves into themes of faith, morality, and social class. The story follows a group of pilgrims traveling to Lourdes, where they seek spiritual redemption. Meanwhile, a parallel narrative unfolds in Rome, where a priest struggles with his own faith. In Paris, the lives of the wealthy bourgeoisie are contrasted with those of the working class. Through these interconnected narratives, the novel critiques the social and religious conventions of late 19th-century France.
By Émile Zola · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Social Commentary · 5 chapters