2006-06-05

kenjari: (avatar)
2006-06-05 08:37 pm
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Book Review

Pot-Bouille
by Emile Zola

Awash with cynicism, this book follows the goings-on at a bourgeoisie apartment building in Paris during the 1860s. Zola takes a sly look at the corruption and decadence underneath the respectable, moral facade maintained by the residents. There's plenty of harsh irony, particularly where hypocrisy is revealed. It's all very well-written and constructed, and most of the characters alternate between despicable and humorous.