Reading group on The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola

Reading Group

The third novel in Zola’s multigenerational Rougon-Macquart saga, The Belly of Paris tells the story of Florent Quenu, recently escaped from prison after being falsely accused. Having returned to his native Paris, Florent struggles to get his bearings in a city in the midst of constant growth and regeneration. Set in the neighbourhood surrounding the recently rebuilt Les Halles, iconic Parisian food market, what follows is a dazzling insight into a world of commerce, politics and food.

The first of Zola’s novels to focus exclusively on the working class, he incisively highlights the widening gulf between Paris’ richest and poorest citizens.

1h30 | in English | £5 standard, £3 members (incl. a drink)

You can find information on the book in English on the British publisher’s website