Germinal (Penguin Classics)

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It's a hit!

Gripping tale of a coal mine strike in 1860s France. Somewhat political, which to be honest, wasn't the biggest draw for me. However, the tale is... (show more)

Gripping tale of a coal mine strike in 1860s France. Somewhat political, which to be honest, wasn't the biggest draw for me. However, the tale is humanized by heartbreaking poverty of the miners. Led by idealistic, naive Etienne Lantier, and enwidened by his interactions with the endlessly put upon Maheu family, and in particular their lovely daughter Catherine, who shares an ill-fated affair with Etienne. The rest of the town and management and their families are beautifully realized in the best French Realism style-it's no wonder I loved this book!

As for the story, the first part is a bit slow, although a fascinating look at mine life and disheartening in realism. The second half of the novel is filled with exciting sequences as the miners strike, rally, riot, confront soldiers, and face a final danger: just as they return to the mines to work after months of starvation, an anarchist sabatoges the mine and the have to fight to escape the mine. Epic, in deed.

This novel is moving and unforgettable. As part of a 20 novel cycle and Zola's acknowledged masterpiece, I am anxious to explore his other works. (show less)

 

 

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No, it's a flop!

I didn't acutally read this book. It was a requirment for school and I kind of skimmed it. It seemed very boring.

 

 

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  Even though this book has been beautifully translated, I find it still helps to know a little of the French language or way or pronunciation when reading this book. Possibly also a little about the French and the Russian revolutions. I think I was more able to fully enjoy this novel because of those things.

  Germinal was a class text for Working Class Fiction, and I must say that it struck me as a little depressing. That doesn't mean it's a bad book, though, it just means it's great at gettin... (show more)

  Even though this book has been beautifully translated, I find it still helps to know a little of the French language or way or pronunciation when reading this book. Possibly also a little about the French and the Russian revolutions. I think I was more able to fully enjoy this novel because of those things.

  Germinal was a class text for Working Class Fiction, and I must say that it struck me as a little depressing. That doesn't mean it's a bad book, though, it just means it's great at getting me to empathise with the hopeless situations of the miners.
  I thought the way Zola handled the presentation of the bourgeois was interesting. They weren't necessarily 'evil stereotypes' merely uninformed and ignorant, and aren't we all, in some respects? (show less)

   

  by Ruth Chapman on Jun 11, 2009 at 02:46AM

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  I read this book one summer at a pool and was so engrossed that I failed to notice anything around me! It is a superb human interest story about how miners were forced to work in dangerous conditions facing black lung to earn a meager living to buy food. If you enjoyed The Grapes of Wrath or Upton Sinclair's The Jungle you will truely enjoy this book!

   

   

  by Michael Newman on Mar 13, 2008 at 01:37AM

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