Actually, Zola wasn't a difficult choice. He is a revered Parisian novelist. I know because when I visited the Montmartre Cemetery, his grave was located in a prominent place.
But I must confess I have never read any of his works.
When I wrote the first draft my Middle Grade novel (of course at that time I thought it was more YA in scope and researching more adult themes), I started to read L'Oeuvre (translation, The Masterpiece) which recreates the 19th Century art world. I thought it would help me understand the artists of the time period. I didn't finish the book, however. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but simply because there was not enough time.
I also started L'Assommoir, the story of a poor laundress who tries to escape her misery by drinking her life away. This story interested me because it closely followed the real-life story of Madame Van Goethem, the mother of the girl who posed for Degas' famous statue, Little Dance of Fourteen Years. I have yet to finish that one as well...
The authors of this time period, Zola, Hugo, Baudelaire... as well as the artists, were interested in telling the stories of the common people. Life is not always warm and fuzzy, with happily-ever-after-endings. Life is complicated and oftentimes not fair.
But as they have shown the world through their art: even in the ashes we can find beauty.
A wonderful end to the series! I haven't read Zola either. Maybe this is the nudge for me to do so.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Ellen
Thanks, Ellen. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you during this challenge!! Let's not be strangers over the next 11 months.
DeleteZ is usually a tricky letter. Congrats on making it through the Challenge!
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of Zola's novels.
Congrats to you as well, Sarah! I hope to see you in future Twitter chats :)
DeleteWhat a finish. Zola is great for the last letter - but I noticed (after I had looked him up), that I'd as well never read anything of him. I thought I had, but it was Balzac...
ReplyDeleteIt was great to stroll with you through Paris during April.
ClaoWue
from
Potpourri
Thanks so much for visiting! I thoroughly enjoyed my visits at Potpourri.
DeleteI hope to remain in touch after the challenge.
Thanks. I loved your A to Z Challenge posts. Now it's time to discover what you normally write about in your blog. I didn't have the time to check it out... So, time will tell ;-)
DeleteHmm, I haven't read anything by Zola either. Time to put him on my wishlist and aim to read him next year. Wonderful posts for A to Z. I have to go back and read a few and get caught up hope you enjoyed yourself and congratulations, thank you for the virtual trip through Paris. Now I have to go there. Wishing! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can go sometime, Robin. There are lovely places to write there :)
DeleteCongratulations on completing the challenge!
ReplyDelete@ScarlettBraden from
Frankly Scarlett
thank you!
DeleteI haven't read Zola yet, though I studien him at school. I have to confess, I'm not very much into Verism, even if I appreciate the idea bahind it.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulation in completing the challenge! I feel like I was in Paris too, if for a little time :-)
I'm so glad you came to visit, Sarah.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Jazz era.
I hope we can remain in contact even after the challenge.