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The Ladies’ Paradise

The Ladies’ Paradise

Author(s): Emile Zola

Location(s): Paris

Genre(s): Fiction, Historical

Era(s): Later 19th Century

Location

Content

Encapsulating, with luxurious detail, the phenomenon of consumer society, obsessed with image, fashion and instant gratification. The Ladies’Paradise depicts the growth of capitalism through the workings of a new economic entity, the department store. The novel centres around the story of the young Denise, who is seeking work in Paris, and Octave Mouret, the aspirational director of the shopping emporium.

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Book Reviews

Lead Review

Florid descriptions of a time, on the cusp of a new era. The early stages of the “department store’ beautifully rendered in wonderful writing.

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