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The Drinking Den

By Émile Zola
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Drinking Den by Émile Zola, the story centres around Gervaise Macquart, a laundress living in the slums of Paris, and her struggle against the destructive forces of poverty and alcoholism. As she attempts to improve her life and that of her family, Gervaise confronts the harsh realities and social pressures that threaten to pull her into a downward spiral. Zola provides a gripping portrayal of human resilience amidst adversity, set against the backdrop of mid-19th century Paris.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in exploring the gritty realism of 19th-century Paris, as it delves deep into the struggles of working-class life and the destructive impact of alcoholism. This novel offers a vivid portrayal of societal issues and personal turmoil, bringing an intimate understanding of human nature and the choices that shape our lives.

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Abandoned by her lover and left to bring up their two children alone, Gervaise Macquart has to fight to earn an honest living. When she accepts marriage proposal of Monsieur Coupeau, it seems as though she is on path to a decent, respectable life at last.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Part of the Les Rougon-Macquart series, The Drinking Den explores two branches of a French family traced through several generations. The behaviour of the two families is depicted as being influenced by environmental factors and inherited characteristics, particularly focusing on themes of drunkenness and mental instability.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Drinking Den by Émile Zola is often praised for its vivid depiction of working-class life in 19th century France, highlighting the devastating effects of alcoholism and poverty. Critics have lauded Zola's compelling narrative and intricate character development, describing the novel as both gritty and poignant. It is considered by many as a masterpiece of naturalism, offering profound social commentary.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140449549

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 April 2004

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Robin Buss
  • Introduction by Robin Buss
  • Notes by Robin Buss

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 328g

Pages: 480

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction Fiction in Translation General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Émile Zola

About the Author

Emile Zola (1840-1902) was the leading figure in the French school of naturalistic fiction. His principal work, Les Rougon-Macquart, is a panorama of mid-19th century French life, in a cycle of 20 novels which Zola wrote over a period of 22 years. Robin Buss is a translator and journalist. He has translated a number of works for Penguin Classics, including works by Dumas and Sartre.

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