#French Thérèse Raquin

• Author:  Emile Zola
• Title: Thérèse Raquin
  
• Published: 1867
• Language: French
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Conclusion:

1. A cross between a crime fiction and fantasy novel
2. Characters: Zola portrays an icy ménage à trois:
3. Thérèse…her husband Camille and lover Laurent.
4. Mme Raquin is Camille’s mother.
5. Timeline: 6 years
6. Plot: “Crime passionnel” that changes the lovers
7. ..and drives them into madness!
8. Characters change:
9. Laurent: heavy, hot-headed –> gets nervous, fearful, violent and criminal
10. Thérèse: nervous, unsatisfied, passive  –>  strong and sensual woman
11. Madam Raquin:  apathetic, quiet –> desperate and vengeful woman
12. Camille: alive –> dead….killed in the water.

Last thoughts:

1. The book is  very easy read.
2. So easy that I could skim parts when
3. Zola uses long-winded descriptions (signature style of his writing)
4. …. and not miss a beat.
5. It is a tale of  fiery passion, obsession, and
6. the psychological aftermath