Germinal (French)

Germinal, published in 1885, is the thirteenth novel in Émile Zola's Rougon-Macquart series. The book portrays the harsh living conditions of 19th-century French miners through the story of Étienne Lantier, a young miner who falls in love with Catherine Maheu and fights for social justice. It is notable for its realistic depiction of the struggles of the working class and its critique of capitalism.