The novel revolves around the lives of several characters connected to the three cities of Lille, Roubaix, and Paris. It explores themes of love, family, social class, and politics during the late 19th century in France. The story follows a young woman who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and deceit as she navigates her way through the societal hierarchies of the time.
By Émile Zola · First published 1894 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Historical Fiction · 5 chapters