The Belly of Paris
The Belly of Paris
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1873
Book Brief
660
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1850s
1873
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola follows Florent Quenu, a political prisoner who escapes from a penal colony and returns to Paris, only to find a transformed city with a grand food market. As he navigates the opulent Les Halles and reconnects with his stout brother Quenu and sister-in-law Lisa, Florent's revolutionary ideals clash with the bourgeois decadence symbolized by the market's excess.
Gritty
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Informative
Reviews & Readership
6,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Émile Zola's The Belly of Paris offers a vivid portrayal of 19th-century Paris, immersing readers in the markets of Les Halles. Critics praise its rich descriptions and social commentary, though some find the extensive detail overwhelming. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its historical authenticity and exploration of class struggles, despite occasional slow pacing.
Who Should Read The Belly of Paris?
Readers who enjoy The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola typically appreciate rich, naturalistic depictions of 19th-century urban life, focusing on social issues and class struggles. Fans of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables or Charles Dickens' Bleak House would find this work equally compelling for its vivid storytelling and critical perspective on society.
6,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
660
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1850s
1873
Adult
18+ years
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