Germinal (Émile Zola)

Germinal by Émile Zola is a detailed novel set in 19th-century France, depicting the harsh realities of coal miners’ lives. It follows Étienne Lantier, a young worker who joins a miners’ community, witnessing their struggles with poor working conditions, poverty, and social injustice. The novel explores themes of labor unrest, solidarity, and the fight for dignity amidst exploitation. Through vivid descriptions and complex characters, Zola illustrates the impact of industrialization on workers and their efforts to organize for better treatment, providing a powerful commentary on social inequality and the human cost of economic progress.