The Fortune of the Rougons
The Fortune of the Rougons
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Brief
Beta348
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
French LiteraturePlassans, France • 1850s
1985
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Fortune of the Rougons by Émile Zola explores the socio-political landscape of a fictional French town during Louis-Napoleon's coup in the 1850s. It centers on the personal ambitions of the diverse Rougon-Macquart family, depicting how societal changes affect their lives and futures as the family seeks power and fortune in turbulent times.
Gritty
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
7,711 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Fortune of the Rougons by Émile Zola is lauded for its vivid portrayal of the sociopolitical climate of 19th-century France and its intricate character development. The novel's detailed narrative and complex family dynamics captivate readers, though some find its pace slow. Zola's naturalistic style offers a compelling yet sometimes dense read.
Who Should Read The Fortune of the Rougons?
A reader fascinated by political intrigue and family dynamics would enjoy Émile Zola’s The Fortune of the Rougons. Comparable to Balzac’s La Comédie Humaine, it attracts those interested in social commentary and French history, blending personal ambition with broader societal upheaval.
7,711 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
348
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
French LiteraturePlassans, France • 1850s
1985
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!