La Bête humaine
La Bête humaine
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Brief
Beta462
Novel • Fiction
France • 19th century
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
La Bête humaine by Émile Zola follows train engineer Jacques Lantier as he grapples with violent impulses. Set against the backdrop of the French railway system, the novel explores the intertwining of human desires with industrial progress, examining themes of fate, morality, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Dark
Gritty
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
12,361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Émile Zola's La Bête humaine is praised for its intense psychological depth and exploration of human instincts, set against the backdrop of industrial France. Critics highlight its vivid depiction of the destructive power of technology and passion. Some readers find the narrative's grim tone and complex characters challenging, yet it's celebrated as a masterpiece of naturalism.
Who Should Read La Bête humaine?
A reader intrigued by the psychological depth and social critique in Zola’s La Bête humaine might also enjoy Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment or Camus’ The Stranger. This novel appeals to those fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of societal forces on individuals.
12,361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
462
Novel • Fiction
France • 19th century
2001
Adult
18+ years
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