This classic of naturalism describes the development of the first big department store in Paris. Small shopkeepers were forced out of business and a way of life disappeared. ( )

This follows Pot-Bouille in the Rougon Macquart cycle (20 novels in total) and is incredible in that so much is true of today’s economics. The main character from Pot-Bouille Octave Mouret has acquired a shop and has great plans to turn it into a huge department store – the glittering Lady’s Paradise. However, such a project is not without its casualties particularly the smaller businesses that surround it and cannot compete. If you thought loss leaders were a 20th century invention then think again – the techniques employed by Mouret to make his store a success are the same techniques used by large companies today. As a window into 19th century economic life this novel is very revealing and informative; as a story it is both compelling and very human. (read July 2006) ( )

Of all of Emile Zola's books this one is the most cheerful. Wonderful story. Fabulous writing. Excellent subject. Interesting characters. Beautiful descriptives. I will remember the decadent images in this novel for a long time to come and there is a sales/marketing/consumer education in here that applies even today.
Highly recommended.