Germinal
In “Germinal,” Émile Zola masterfully captures the gritty reality of 19th-century coal miners in northern France. The story follows Étienne Lantier, a young and idealistic worker who arrives at the mining town of Montsou, only to be confronted by the harsh conditions and exploitation faced by the miners. As tensions rise, Étienne becomes a leader in the fight for justice, igniting a powerful and heartbreaking strike. Zola’s vivid prose and deep empathy for his characters make “Germinal” a timeless exploration of human struggle and resilience.