Germinal (Penguin Classics) by ?mile Zola Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Germinal (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: A great reality-checher
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a brilliant book which makes you realise that there was a huge struggle going on quite literally underneath 19th century society (aptly signified by the mines) It doesn't go in for any judgement and there are no real moralising diatribes (except the odd Darwinian reference to tainted blood-lines)- French realism at its best!Book Review: Brilliant, exciting story that knocks spots off Dickens
Summary: 5 Stars
Why would anyone read Dickens when they could read the work of Zola. Whilst Dickens wrote twee, contrived stories Zola was writing passionate, exciting sweeping novels about real life and real people in 19th century France. Germinal is considered his masterpiece and it's not difificult to see why.The story is set in a mining town in Northern France in 1865. A stranger comes to town, starts working down a pit and ends up leading the workers in a strike. But what you get her is an insight into all of those concerned, their acceptance of their lot in life of their struggle to improve it. (don't be put off by the subject matter - it's not all "eh life is grim but we're proud" stuff). The rich mine owners are not portrayed as straightforward baddies and neither are the workers all good.
If you are looking for an exciting story, with characters you feel you know, an insight into how people used to live and a dramatic ending do yourself a favour and buy this book.
Book Review: Quite chilling.
Summary: 5 Stars
I came across this book on one of the Open University literature courses. It tells a harrowing tale of life in a mining community as the workers gradually starve and are forced into desperate measures for their survival when a new worker, Etienne Lantier, arrives and eventually masterminds a strike against the worsening working conditions endured underground, and the devious new pay structure. The backbreaking working life of the miners is accurately and chillingly portrayed, (you'll never want to go in a lift again!) contrasted with a backdrop of sexual permissiveness in the community. There are echoes of Mrs. Gaskell and 'Love on the Dole'. In all, a chilling evocation of the workers' hellish existence, and familial ties, in nineteenth cnetury France.Book Review: An emotional rollercoaster
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the 5th novel by Zola I have read and the best yet. The novel takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you accompany the Maheu family through their bitter struggle to survive life in a French mining village. Their lot is a terrible one but Zola paints a picture of real people who feel love, jealousy, desire, greed and pride and whom you care about. Their animal existence is shocking and as usual Zola paints a vivid picture of their surroundings which draws you in completely. The novel contains many strands and Zola also scrutinises the lives of the masters who seem immune to the suffering of their workers and whose families cause them the same grief and strife as the miners whom they consider to be a different species. Its a dramatic novel which is beautifully written and most importantly its a storyline that will have you on the edge of your seat.Book Review: Mandatory reading and socially harrowing
Summary: 5 Stars
Some classic novels are worthy but a chore; others are great to study academically; fewer combine adept social commentary with genius literary ability and a compelling plot.This book had a major impact on me when I read it as a teenager - a Realist novel read in my own time to contrast with the Romantic works of Flaubert which I was dealing with for A level. I then returned to it at University - but importantly have subsequently re-read it more than once for pleasure as well as confidently giving it as a present to friends with a ""great read" recommendation.
It is hard to believe that society has changed so much and that we are so ignorant of the massive poverty and social injustice which existed relatively recently in Europe. This epic novel, as with many of Zola's novels, takes you into the startling detail of life in industrial France - with wonderful characterisation, really moving human stories and exciting & distressing plot .
It really has everything - and it may well change your outlook on life . I wholeheartedly recommend this as one of the greats