July 2025 The Conquest of Plassans (La Conquête de Plassans) Intro-Chapters 1-3

Comments/Discussion

I started early as I have 3 concerts to attend in July and will be on and off the computer. In conjunction with reading chapters 1-3, I did some outside reading on the relationship between the Church and Napoleon III (Empire). The conclusion: While Napoleon's policies initially benefitted the church, it soon became adversarial, especially concerning the liberal faction of the church. That being said, not sure which "side" Abbé Faujas falls. Faujas seems to be quiet and mysterious. Also, odd, that he would agree (with his mother) to stay in a less than stellar place to lodge. Was it location, location, location? (Between the houses of the prefect and sub-prefect of Plassans)

As far as Mouret and his wife, they are first cousins and he is 40 years her senior. I think their children are swimming in that genetic pool..... the eldest is not the brightest and the youngest is 14, but the age of 5. (per her mother)

>2 Tess_W: Yes, it’s the location, I think.

Starring this topic to motivate myself to dig out Les Rougon-Macquart Tome 1 and get reading.

I will be reading this, but I'm not sure yet if I'll get to it before I go on our July vacation. I don't think it will be great beach reading! so if I don't get to it in the next week or so, I will read it in August. I've read both Pot Luck and Ladies' Paradise in the last two years, so I don't think I will reread those. Because of that, I'm not going to rush with this one.

I’m enjoying seeing others commenting and joining in. I am woefully behind and still haven’t started on His Excellency Eugène Rougon, but have at least borrowed a copy from the library. It was the only copy they had and is approximately 100 years old.

>6 PawsforThought: I have found this at my own library, also. They were giving me books that were antiques, literally!

>7 Tess_W: Let’s hope the translation is not as bowdlerised as the older translations of some of the other Zola novels we’ve read.

A very low-key opening. Abbé Faujas seems an unlikely conqueror.

>9 booksaplenty1949: It's always the quiet ones!;)

I'm finally starting! Reading the Oxford Classics edition again, translated by Helen Constantine.

>11 japaul22: It won't disappoint!

I know I am woefully behind y'all, but I am still chugging along. Thank you, Tess for pointing out how much older Mouret is than his wife. That explains a bit. It's funny to picture him skulking around trying to spy on the priest.

Edited to add: Actually, according to the family tree in my Oxford edition of the book, Mouret was born in 1817 and Marthe in 1820, so he's only three years older.

>13 labfs39: It's been so long, where did I get that idea?