Zola's Germinal

[Eastlondonboy]

Stumbled across this book recently and was stunned by its descriptions of the poor mining classes in France. A gritty novel - I imagine, Zola, was one of the pioneeers of this kind of 'realism' in novels. Currently reading it and thoroughly recommend it.

[GERGE]

I hate realism

You will probably like Middlemarch too. Only realist novel I really like.

[Kiya]

Oh my God! Germinal!

I remember that one from the high school. It is really gritty novel.

If you like that one you should try some of his other novels: Nana and Thérèse Raquin.

Both are very good.

[Eastlondonboy]

Originally Posted by GERGE

I hate realism

You will probably like Middlemarch too. Only realist novel I really like.

Not sure, Middlemarch appeals. I'm not a particular fan of realism, but Zola's descriptions are really outstanding - how he makes beauty out of such a miserable situation.

In my own writing, I guess I stray from realism with fantastical elements - I like to try to fuse both. It's difficult though.

[Eastlondonboy]

Originally Posted by Kiya

Oh my God! Germinal!

I remember that one from the high school. It is really gritty novel.

If you like that one you should try some of his other novels: Nana and Thérèse Raquin.

Both are very good.

I went to see Therese Raquin at the National Theatre in London. Very good adaptation.