The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola

The Belly of Paris

Les Rougon-Macquart #3

Émile Zola with Brian Nelson (Translator)

287 pages first pub 1873 (editions)

fiction classics literary dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Description

Unjustly deported to Devil's Island following Louis-Napoleon's coup-d'état in December 1851, Florent Quenu escapes and returns to Paris. He finds the city changed beyond recognition. The old Marché des Innocents has been knocked down as part of H...

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Community Reviews Summary of 308 reviews

Moods

informative 60%
dark 44%
reflective 44%
funny 36%
sad 32%
challenging 20%
emotional 16%
adventurous 12%
tense 12%
inspiring 4%
lighthearted 4%
mysterious 4%

Pace

slow 53%
medium 40%
fast 6%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 52% | A mix: 33% | Plot: 9% | N/A: 4%

Strong character development?

No: 45% | Yes: 45% | It's complicated: 10%

Loveable characters?

No: 60% | It's complicated: 35% | Yes: 5%

Diverse cast of characters?

Yes: 52% | No: 36% | It's complicated: 5% | N/A: 5%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 70% | It's complicated: 25% | No: 5%

Average rating

3.87

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