Germinal
FACTS:
- Set in the 1860s in a mining community in northern France
- 13th novel in Zola’s 20-volume Rougon-Macquart series
- Timeless cry of protest against oppression and the misery of the poor who never inherit the Earth
- Zola researched this novel by making a trip down the working mine at Denain in Valenciennes
- Zola wrote Germinal in 10 frenzied months from April 1884 to January 1885
Why I choose Germinal as my favorite classic:
This book was suggested to me by my sister. I put off reading it for years because the cover and subject matter just did not excite me enough to read the book. I was so wrong.
Zola was inspired to write this book by the miners’ strikes of 1869 (in La Ricamarie and Aubin) and 1884 (in Aubin).
I rarely see this book on Classic Book Lists and want to recommend it to all who love great literature.
The descriptions of the mines of northern France and the the lives of the workers still haunt me. Underground explosions trapping people and horses and the struggle to get to the top alive is a formidable read. Gasping for every breath, I feel I am pacing along with family at the mining camp waiting…waiting…for word of the survivors. Zola’s words transport me to a place of tension, anguish, violence and sometimes death.
Germinal is a realistic novel record of the historical exploitation of miners and a progress report on the working-class struggle against the economic effects of capitalism in 19th-century France.
Sam (Tiny Library)
August 2, 2012 at 14:21
I’m new to your blog, saw your post on the classics club meme and hopped over. I’m now following your blog
I have to admit to having never read any Zola. He always seems like a very intimidating author to me and I’m not at all familiar with French writers. We had our own miners struggles in the UK so it would be interesting to read about the French experience.
N@ncy
August 2, 2012 at 14:27
I felt the same way. Mining strike, oppressed workers and a dismal setting ( northern France 19th cent) did not appeal to me. Fortunately I had a sister who was adament about getting me to read GREAT books. I thank her every day and want to spread the word!
Juli @ Universe in Words
August 2, 2012 at 15:08
Same as Sam, I found you through CC
Zola is a brilliant author and I have read bits of his work, so maybe the next step should be to read an entire novel! I will put this one onto my list for the Classics Club, that way I am sure I’ll read it! ‘Germinal’ sound very intense and full-on, but from your description I am thinking that’s a good thing! Thanks for sharing!
Juli @ Universe in Words
Karen
August 2, 2012 at 19:14
I’m so pleased to find another fan of ‘Germinal’ – it is a brilliant book. I only read it as it was on my syllabus, but I’m very pleased I did.
N@ncy
August 2, 2012 at 19:41
This book is like an uncut diamond, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior.
Amy
August 2, 2012 at 23:22
I’ve got no experience with Zola at all, but he keeps coming to my attention. I’m afraid he’s going to have to go on the CC list!
Amy
August 2, 2012 at 23:27
Replying to myself here, but I’m also thinking that I’m not surprised you love a novel with such a strong historical/social justice theme. It fits in with your love of history.
Elyssa
August 3, 2012 at 04:07
I’m also here from CC. I’ve never heard of this book, but your comments intrigue me! I’m definitely going to check this one out!!
Allie Danielson (@alliedanielson)
August 3, 2012 at 05:12
Oh, Germinal is a FANTASTIC book! I read it very early on in my own project (December 2009), and I was BLOWN away by the story. I STILL think about it!
Great to meet you through the club! I hope you’re enjoying our new site!
The Classics Club
August 3, 2012 at 12:37
Wow – this sounds fantastic! I’ve never read Zola either, but my Aunt is a huge lover of all things French, and has been recommending this to me for a long time now. You are right, it does not appear often on Classic Book Lists, and I thank you for highlighting it! -Sarah
Cat
August 4, 2012 at 05:52
Your post makes me very glad I added Germinal to my Classics Club list. The only other work of Zola’s I’ve read is Nana which I really enjoyed so I’m looking forward to reading this one.
joon*ann
August 5, 2012 at 11:40
Nancy, our family is very much involved in the Union, so struggles of the working class is very dear to my heart…I’ll be adding Germinal to my classics list. Thank you for sharing.
Jillian ♣
August 5, 2012 at 16:41
Your excitement for this book has definitely spurred me on to read it! I adore the French (as you likely know), but have not read much French literature. SOON.
(For some reason this book is not on my Classics Club list. Needless to say, I intend to read it anyway.)
N@ncy
August 5, 2012 at 17:16
First few pages are a bit dark, depressing….but just keep going. It will be worth the effort!
FleurFisher
August 5, 2012 at 21:36
It’s lovely to find somebody else who loves Zola. I’ve only read two, and not this one, but I am smitten and plan to read my way through all of his book I can find.
N@ncy
August 5, 2012 at 21:44
Zola is an acquired taste. You just have to “have a taste” then you will appreciate all it has to offer. I was amazed that Zola wrote this book in just 9 months. He was such a gifted writer. Thanks for taking the time to read my selection!
Jeremy
August 5, 2012 at 22:14
Wow! I have just been introduced to a new author I had never heard of before! I’m definitely adding Germinal to my list of books to read! It definitely seems like a book that’s right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!
N@ncy
August 5, 2012 at 22:50
The central character is “the mine”. The mine horses share the misery of the men. Ingenious how Zola shows us how work can literally devour and swallow men and women.
kheenand
August 8, 2012 at 21:47
Hooray, another fan of Germinal! The descriptions of the conditions faced by the miners and the desperation of their lives was haunting. Knowing that this was based on Zola’s experience of living with miners in similar conditions makes it even more powerful.
N@ncy
November 23, 2012 at 23:40
Considered by Andre Gide to be one of the ten greatest novels in the French language!