A Powerful Book You’ll Never Forget: “Germinal” by Émile Zola

[@TanteLeonieCombray]

Thank you for your first-class review! Of all the Rougon-Macquart novels Germinal is one of the very best. I have them all next to me and Germinal is easily in my top 5. Like you say Zola is a naturalist, he would say a physiologist. Étienne Lantier the main character is Gervaise's son (Gervaise main character of L'Assommoir) and brother of Jacques Lantier (La Bête humaine) and Claude Lantier (main character of L'Œuvre). Only in the final and 20th novel we learn what became of Étienne. Your analysis is excellent. Congratulations!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

I'm glad you enjoyed listening to the discussion! I have a new mission now: reading every novel in the series. I can't wait to discover more. Like always, your comment has great value. If I had known beforehand that it was best to read them in order, I would have started at the beginning. I'm excited to read more about Étienne, and I'm curious to find out what will become of him!

[@TanteLeonieCombray]

@@ProseAndPetticoats Like you say you can read them separately because each novel is a new story with a main character and each one can work as a standalone. However you also mention yourself that Les Rougon-Macquart is l'histoire naturelle et sociale d'une famille sous le second empire that means each character of each novel are individuals from the same family (studied over several generations throughout the 20 volumes). Zola said that les Rougon-Macquart series was a scientific study into genealogy or heredity. For example It’s best to read Doctor Pascal last as it’s essentially an epilogue to the whole series. Some characters appear a couple of times throughout the series. "Nana", for example, is the title of a novel about Anna Coupeau whose nickname is Nana. She is Etienne, Jacques and Claude Lantier half sister. Daughter of Gervaise. Nana appears as a child in L’Assommoir and as an adult in "Nana" The novels also follow a chronological order related to the political events in France. The Novel "The Debacle" portrays the end of the Second Empire and the subsequent Paris Commune, so it’s best to read this near the end, preferably as the penultimate novel. There is no logic in reading it at the beginning of the series because the first novels talk about the establishment of the Second Empire with Napoléon III. Most people don't read them in order though. But if it can help, this is the recommended reading order by Zola. (different from the publication order) The "problem" is that the first 7 novels following the recommended order are not the best ones according to me. It could deter a person from reading the rest of the novels and leave a bad impression. Some of the first ones are not so interesting and talk about political issues whereas several novels later on are masterpieces like Germinal, The belly of Paris, The Earth, L'Assommoir, The Beast Within or L'Oeuvre (if you like the painting environment and the impressionist movement. ) 1La Fortune des Rougon (The Fortune of the Rougons) (1871) 2Son Excellence Eugène Rougon (His Excellency Eugène Rougon) (1876) 3La Curée (The Kill) (1872) 4L'Argent (Money) (1891) 5Le Rêve (The Dream) (1888) 6La Conquête de Plassans (The Conquest of Plassans) (1874) 7Pot-Bouille (Pot Luck) (1882) 8Au Bonheur des Dames (The Ladies Paradise/The Ladies' Delight) (1883) 9La Faute de l'Abbé Mouret (The Sin of Father Mouret) (1875) 10Une page d'amour (A Love Story) (1878) 11Le Ventre de Paris (The Belly of Paris) (1873) 12La joie de vivre (The Bright Side of Life) (1884) 13L'Assommoir (The Drinking Den) (1877) 14L'Œuvre (The Masterpiece) (1886) 15La Bête humaine (The Beast Within) (1890) 16Germinal (1885) 17Nana (1880) 18La Terre (The Earth) (1887) 19La Débâcle (The Debacle) (1892) 20Le Docteur Pascal (Doctor Pascal) (1893)

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

This is amazing. I'm pinning this on the top of the comment section, because this will be helpful for many readers. Thank you so much!

[@TanteLeonieCombray]

@@ProseAndPetticoats You're welcome 🙂

[@РоманПаляниця-к5э]

This is a super interesting video, thank you so much! I'll be honest: I didn't plan to read the works of Emile Zola, because I already have so many works of other authors planned... But, you talk so fascinatingly and so interestingly that I plan to read the works of Emile Zola in the future! As I said earlier, you have a talent for teaching literature. I'm so glad I found your channel and can watch you!

[@Joaovascothebelgian]

As a descendant of Limburgish miners on both sides of the family and someone who just finished reading Germinal just a few days ago, I'm so happy you uploaded this. I saw you referred to Thérèse Raquin a few times and I was hoping you'd start tackling the Rougon-Macquart. Reading Germinal really was one of the big turning points of the year for me and it immediately became one of my favorite books of all time (alongside Brothers Karamazov, of course). I loved Zola so much that I ended up buying the whole Rougon-Macquart in French and it's my quest to read all of them now (halfway there!). I recommend reading l'Assommoir before reading Germinal because you'll see more about Étienne's life as a kid in that novel. Fun fact: when Zola's casket was being carried around Paris during his funeral, a big delegation of miners came over from Anzin (on which the town of Montsou is based) and screamed GERMINAL! GERMINAL! as an hommage.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

@@Joaovascothebelgian Germinal certainly is one of the best novels I have ever read. I am on a mission too! I want to read everything now 👌 Indeed, that crowd on his funeral shouting Germinal... I understand why. A masterpiece!

[@TriumphalReads]

Glad to see Zola on booktube. I remember reading this in college a while ago and it stuck with me, so when I decided to read some classics again I picked up the first one in the cycle The Fortune of the Rougons. Great vid and context!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Yeah, more attention to French authors please! ;) I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@cunningba]

The title of your video is an apt description of the book. Any plot summary, such as yours near the beginning, cannot do the book justice. One of the things that most struck me about the writing was the cinematic quality of the descriptions. Your choice of quotes helped illustrate this well. Descriptions of characters' movement throughout the book also stand out in my mind: e.g., moving around a darkened house, getting ready for work, preparing meals, descending into the mine, the actual mining activities. I read Germinal in 2019 as my first Zola. Have gradually started reading Zola from the beginning: Claude's Confession, The Dead Woman's Wish, The Mystery of Marseille, and Theresa Raquin. But I've started doing that with some other authors too and there is so much French literature to go through. Just finished Les Misérables last week.

[@ToReadersItMayConcern]

I've been looking forward to your thoughts on this book, and it did not disappoint! Now I feel like I HAVE to move Germinal up in my To-Be-Read list. Thanks for your comprehensive and enthusiastic review (and for your honest reflection on the themes in the novel)!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Haha mission accomplished! I think you will love this one.

[@MariaVivian-z5n]

Thanks for this Emmelie!. The impact that this novel has had on you came through very strongly. You gave a very powerful review. Sometimes a book really changes you doesn't it.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Some books really have the power of changing something within you. Germinal certainly did this for me. Unforgettable read.

[@alephnull1683]

This is the very first time i came across this channel. I think this channel is meant for bibliotaphs like me. I loved how detail oriented explanation has been given about a book. Way to go girl.😌

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

@@alephnull1683 Welcome!! Thank you so much. I'm glad to have you here 🥰

[@denisefreitas6727]

You are totally right about Germinal, Emmelie! I've read it two years ago and i thought it very powerful from the beginning to the end. Really unforgettable!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Hi Denise! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it just as much. This book has left its mark on me.

[@andreeablaj3414]

I was looking forward to Tuesdays, but now Thursdays are my favorite days! So glad to see you and listen to you "lecture" 😊

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

@@andreeablaj3414 Haha, I thought no one would even notice my absence on Tuesdays. This is so sweet 😘

[@spikedaniels1528]

Thanks!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Wow, thank you so much! 🥹

[@loumac1493]

This was lovely, I don’t comment much, but you have reviewed my favourite book and I really enjoyed it. I first read Germinal when I was 15 and have read it every decade since. I’m in my late forties and have it on my tbr but have been collecting the series and have just started with The Fortune of the Rougons. This book has also shown me how your perceptions change as you grow particularly with the main hero, it doesn’t surprise me that some either love him or hate him, the story really does stick with you. Thank you😊

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

I appreciate that you took the time to leave me a comment. Germinal is one of the best books I've ever read and it has left its mark on me. Just like you, I will also be reading the entire series. I'm on a mission! ;)

[@karlsengupta7185]

Well done! Your review is thorough, eloquent, and superbly crafted overall. I've never considered reading Zola, but I will definitely look into this novel. Thank you.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

That is lovely to hear. Thank you for your kind words!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I've been purposefully buying more French lit because of you and your channel! I've only read the Count of Monte Cristo but can't wait to get to more. I'm going to be joining your patreon on Jan 1 for your book club!🎉❤

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Aaah this makes me so happy! I hope you will fall in love with the French authors ;) I'm already looking forward to seeing you in the book club chat! It'll be fun.

[@binglamb2176]

This sounds like such an emotional and impactful book. I have it on my shelf but have yet to read it but I think I might have to be in the right mood to read it. Thanks for the informative review.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

I think there certainly is a wrong time to pick up this book - you have to be prepared for the gloomy and depressing atmosphere. It's great that you have it on your shelf!

[@MaleniaArtHoarder]

Hi Emmelie! Really love this style of video and how you section it, especially the historical background part! I think I'll keep this book in mind, hoping to be able to give it a chance in the near future, after the ones that are already, and rightfully, waiting their turn to be lived. Thanks and see you soon, take care!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

You say it so beautifully. I'm glad I could spark an interest in reading this novel. Happy reading and thanks for watching!

[@davidmccalip5759]

Hello Emmelie! I hope you are doing well. Great video. I agree with what you say in this video. It was a very powerful book. I really felt so bad for Catherine and all that happened to her. Also for the miners too. This is the second Zola book I have read and I have enjoyed both. I agree that French authors should get more attention. I look forward to your next video. Have a great day!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

And I am here to give them that attention haha. It was a great discussion :)

[@BeatrizHernandez-f8l]

Hi, new subscriber here. I loved your book reviews and how you express your passion for reading. Germinal is in my book list now. Merry Xmas!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Welcome to this cosy community! I'm already looking forward to seeing you around in the comments and I'm glad you're here. Merry Christmas ;)

[@wael0855]

Thank you for your thoughtful recommendations in your channel ! I would like also suggest Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France, as it delves into similar ideas with depth and insight.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

That sounds like a book I would enjoy. Adding it to the list!

[@aaronaragon7838]

I've got to read Zola after Les Miserables. I'm a union man fighting for worker's for over forty years, and this is my cup of tea.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

You will love it :)

[@richardfairley9882]

iEs un novela increible! Try his 'Earth' as a companion read... ❤

[@philiprudy4195]

Any benefit at all reading them in order, even if minor?

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Certainly! Our main character (Étienne) is mentioned in the previous novels and gives you more backstory on him.

[@Alexander_Scott]

is your profile pic AI? if yes, I'm curious what your opinion is on AI? And with books how that may increase in number of self published maybe even trad published books in the future.

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Yes, it is. To be honest I really don't know how to feel about AI (I haven't used it much) but the publishing industry is one thing I am in fact worried about. The market is already oversaturated, and now it's only going to get worse. What is your take on this, Alexander? Would love to hear.

[@Alexander_Scott]

@@ProseAndPetticoats I don't think theres a way to stop AI as there's too much money involved. AI would be good for other use cases like in the sciences instead of art. But am I worried? Not exactly this is the logical conclusion with tech like with cars that took away the income of horse breeders, or guns took away the income of weapon blacksmiths. This is the same, as there will be people who use it for their own art to get their idea into a written or visual form rather than paying thousands for a ghostwriter or artist. But the majority will always prefer media created by humans minds/hands.

[@HornsfromtheDeep]

Dark and Depressive? bring it on i´m interested lol

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Haha. Go go! ;)