The Earth

Emile Zola


This french- language classic deals with the life and times of a community in 19th Century provincial France. The 1st chapter introduces no less than 32 characters. Gill noted that it is very different from Dickens and Hardy, in that it is much more graphic and earthy (no pun intended!). Lots of sex and it also features a bull and donkey(?). Gill described the book as "the best book I have read."
Gill 15/8/99

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.