Germinal (Historical Novel) - Enriched edition

Emile Zola

Sinossi

In Émile Zola's historical novel, Germinal, the author vividly depicts the harsh conditions and struggle of the French coal miners in the late 19th century. Zola's writing style is characterized by its naturalism, where he portrays the working class with brutal honesty and realism. The novel delves into themes of poverty, class struggle, and the exploitation of labor, providing a stark portrayal of the deplorable living and working conditions faced by the miners. Set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution, Germinal serves as a powerful social commentary on the impact of capitalism and industrialization on society.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Disponibile da: 17/12/2020.

Lunghezza di stampa: 449 pagine.

Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

The Travellers

Vivian Stuart

The eighth book in the dramatic and intriguing story about the colonisation of Australia: a country built on blood, passion, and dreams.
The new governor leads the colony with great efficiency, yet, life is still hard and burdensome. Once again, an attempt must be made to conquer the Blue Mountains — because beyond the large mountains, it is said that there are fertile plains and plentiful pastures.
This had been Jenny's life-long dream, and now, her son Justin was on his way there. Was the dream finally about to come true?
Rebels and outcasts, they fled halfway across the earth to settle the harsh Australian wastelands. Decades later — ennobled by love and strengthened by tragedy — they had transformed a wilderness into a fertile land. And themselves into The Australians.

Mostra libro

Daughters of Riga

Marian Exall

As World War II sweeps over Europe, nine-year-old Danielle Loesseps escapes from Latvia under the protection of the Dutch consul. Her Jewish mother, the consul's secretary, is tragically left behind at the end of a momentous year which sees a heroic scheme to save refugees from the Nazis, the blossoming of a secret love, and an unhappy woman's revenge. 
The consul's young daughter Berta Vandercam also grows up in the shadow of war. She strives to understand why her father never speaks about their time in Riga. 
Memories of the Riga consulate and questions about what happened there haunt the survivors as they remake their lives in the postwar world.

Mostra libro

The Lonely Sea and Sky

Dermot Bolger

'Myles Foley gripped my soaked jumper. Before his ship sank he was a Nazi: now he's a drowning sailor. Out here, we are all sailors. Your father and grandfather understood that. Are you going to disgrace their memory?'
Part historical fiction, part extraordinary coming-of-age tale, The Lonely Sea and Sky charts the maiden voyage of fourteen-year-old Jack Roche aboard a tiny Wexford ship, the Kerlogue, on a treacherous wartime journey to Portugal. After his father's ship is sunk on this same route, Jack must go to sea to support his family swapping Wexford's small streets for Lisbon's vibrant boulevards: where every foreigner seems to be a refugee or a spy, and where he falls under the spell of Katerina, a Czech girl surviving on her wits. Bolger's new novel is based on a real-life rescue in 1943, when the Kerlogue's crew risked their lives to save 168 drowning German sailors - members of the navy that had killed Jack's father. Forced to choose who to save and who to leave behind, the Kerlogue grows so dangerously overloaded that no one knows if they will survive amid the massive Biscay waves. A brilliant portrayal of those unarmed Irish ships that sailed alone through hazardous waters; of young romance and a boy encountering a world where every experience is intense and dangerous, this is Bolger's most spellbinding novel, and the work of a master storyteller who is one of Ireland's best-known novelists, playwrights and poets.

Mostra libro

Scarlet Angel

Elizabeth Thornton

A woman is captive to her own desire in this sizzling Regency romance from the USA Today–bestselling author of Highland Fire.   Eleven years ago, Cam Colburne, Duke of Dyson, witnessed the unspeakable horrors of mob hysteria in a French prison as he watched his family condemned to death by the actions of an innocent young girl, the daughter of a French diplomat. Now, a decade later, Cam’s moment of retribution has come. Lovely Gabrielle de Brienne is now his prisoner, held for ransom at Cornwall castle.   The product of a most unconventional education, Gabrielle is now more hoyden than lady. Her powerful captor doesn’t frighten her with his threats. But, his commanding kiss sends shivers of desire through her body. The tenderness beneath his pride and arrogance, however, warns her that she is far too vulnerable. In the dark of night, she longs to understand the secret her enigmatic captor hides behind his mask of indifference. But by day, she plots her escape, fearing her heart and her will to resist him will soon be lost forever.   “A joy to read!” —RT Book Reviews   “I consider Elizabeth Thornton a major find.” —Mary Balogh, New York Times–bestselling author

Mostra libro

Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrad

"Heart of Darkness," written by Joseph Conrad in the late 19th century, is a novella that follows Charles Marlow, a seaman on a journey up the Congo River to connect with a mysterious ivory trader named Kurtz. Through this quest, the story explores themes of imperialism, colonization, and the darkness within humanity. 
The narrative begins aboard the Nellie, a cruising yawl anchored on the Thames River, where Marlow reflects on the river's historical significance and its connection to both the past and the present. He contemplates the vastness and mystery of the unknown world, in contrast to the familiar sights of London. As the story unfolds, we gain insights into Marlow’s character and his quest to uncover the enigmatic figure of Kurtz, who embodies the complex moral ambiguities of European colonialism. 
The atmosphere grows increasingly heavy with foreshadowing, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper implications of Marlow's journey into the heart of darkness.

Mostra libro

Elizabeth and Ruth

Livi Michael

Manchester 1849. Elizabeth Gaskell, newly famous author of Mary Barton, visits a young Irish prostitute in Manchester's New Bailey prison. The girl is about to be discharged onto the Manchester streets, where her old life of poverty and violence await her. Elizabeth is determined to help her, but few people will employ an ex-prostitute from prison. In desperation, Elizabeth writes to Charles Dickens for advice.
Inspired by the real correspondence between Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens, Elizabeth and Ruth tells the unforgettable story of two very different women whose lives become inextricably intertwined.

Mostra libro