Рецензия на книгу
Человек-зверь
Эмиль Золя
urinternetcrush2 апреля 2024 г.Humans have a beastly nature
This novel stands out for its vivid portrayals of the dismal rural areas, early trains, desperate locals trying to change their doomed lives full of hatred and suffering, and numerous shocking murders by many characters.
At the heart of this narrative is Jacques Lantier, a train driver haunted by an overpowering urge to kill, an obsession that has tormented him since childhood. We, readers, know it’s just a matter of “when,” not “if.” He’s prevented from realizing his urge in almost comic ways, bad timing, scruples, being witness to another murder, and — strangest of all — falling in love.
"The Beast Within" is not a mass-market paperback, so don't expect a story like the current page-turners on sale at your grocery store book aisle. Zola's writing is anything but ordinary, characterized by its intricate character development and rich, poetic prose. His descriptions are vivid and often shocking, extending beyond what was typical for Realistic literature of his era.
The ending of the novel is both tragic and symbolic. Zola paints a picture of a society where the line between man and beast is alarmingly thin. He contrasts the technological progress symbolized by the train against his characters' basic instincts, highlighting the primitive aspects of human nature.
"The Beast Within" is arguably one of Zola's most compelling and darkest works. If you're new to Zola's work, this novel is a great starting point, showing the author's skill at depicting the human condition with both a surgeon's precision and a poet's grace.
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