Les Gueules Noires

''Les Gueules Noires'' is a 1907 novel by Émile Morel that portrays the harsh realities of coal miners' lives, focusing on the character Désiré Bécu. The narrative explores themes of poverty, addiction, and social injustice within an oppressive industrial environment. Through a series of interconnected stories, Morel captures the emotional struggles of the working class, reflecting on their fears and hardships, particularly the impact of alcoholism and the burden of familial obligations. Accompanied by illustrations from Alexandre Steinlen, the book serves as a poignant commentary on the plight of miners, echoing the themes found in Zola's ''Germinal.''