L'Assommoir
L'Assommoir
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Brief
Beta480
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1850s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
L'Assommoir by Émile Zola explores the struggles of a person named Gervaise in 19th-century Paris. The narrative focuses on their efforts to improve their life through hard work and perseverance amid societal and personal challenges. The novel highlights themes of poverty, addiction, and the pursuit of dignity within a working-class environment.
Dark
Gritty
Melancholic
Challenging
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
18,269 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Émile Zola's L'Assommoir is praised for its vivid portrayal of working-class life and the destructive nature of addiction. The characters are compelling and realistic, contributing to the novel's emotional depth. However, some readers might find its detailed descriptions and bleak themes overwhelming. Overall, it's a powerful depiction of societal struggles.
Who Should Read L'Assommoir?
A reader intrigued by gritty realism and social critique in literature would enjoy Émile Zola's L'Assommoir. Fans of Charles Dickens's Hard Times or Victor Hugo's Les Misérables may appreciate its vivid portrayal of working-class struggles and exploration of societal impacts on individuals.
18,269 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1850s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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