Germinal

Set in a coal mining town in northern France, the story centers on Étienne Lantier, who, after losing his job as a railway worker, seeks a fresh start in the harsh world of coal mining. As he navigates the struggles of the working class, the novel explores themes of labor, social injustice, and the fight for workers' rights, reflecting the broader socio-economic conditions of the time. Zola's vivid portrayal of the miners' lives and their collective struggles highlights the transformative power of solidarity and activism.