No. 3 in my unnavigable Complete works. If I was writing a critical summary of Zola’s novels, I would say that this is a much longer (than 833 &4) melodrama about Marseilles in the mid-19th century, which perhaps paves the way for the later longer novels. His contempt for the aristocracy/monied bourgeois class runs through it.
There are 3 distinct parts:
Working class lad elopes with niece of wealthy and corrupt bourgeois. They are caught and Phillipe is imprisoned for abduction. The family try to free him unsuccessfully.
Corruption of the local bourgeoisie as brother ties to free Philippe but cannot raise funds.
The 1848 revolution hits Marseilles – all the characters become involved on the different sides. Shortly afterwards, the 1849 plague hits the city and most of the leading characters die in consequence. The minor characters + Philippe’s son survive.
Big splashy melodrama - would make a good adventure film if this hasn’t already been done.
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