Thérèse Raquin - Émile Zola

 

Considering how much I loved Germinale, it's surprising that it took me years to read another book by Zola. And considering how much I loved Thérèse Raquin, it will also be surprising when it will inevitably be years before I read anything else by Zola. 

This was an old Penguin book I chanced upon, it's spine beaten just like the one of my grandparents' edition of Germinale. I picked it up and read it as I only have a handful of paperbacks I haven't yet read at home (and I try to read more in hard copy lately as I'm scared of where technology is taking us and want my daughters to see me read more books and not so many e-books). 

Thérèse Raquin is a great read because it's themes are eternal: yes, there is love, adultery and criminal passion; but there is also the need for companionship (the Thursday night gathering of former acquaintances turned friends at Madame Raquin's house) and the appeal and alientation of big cities for provincial people. All topped up by a touching finale that brings some peace to the reader and, perhaps, to the two murderers (as Zola never fails to label them).