Claude's Confession

<p><I>Claude's Confession</I> (1865) is a novel by French author ��mile Zola. Written at night while Zola was employed at Hachette <I>Claude's Confession</I> proved scandalous upon publication and resulted in the loss of his job. Undeterred by the response to his literary debut Zola took advantage of his newfound infamy in order to embark on a career as one of France's foremost experimental writers. Intent on exploring taboo and the lives of people on the edge of society Zola crafts a narrative capable of illuminating the human condition while humanizing those typically disdained by the literary elite. Born and raised in Provence Claude is shocked to find that the Paris of legend is a city mired in poverty decay and loneliness. As he struggles to make ends meet in order to pay for his tiny apartment he takes notice of a young woman who lives in the same building as him. Although he knows she is a prostitute his feelings for him grow stronger than the impulse to look down on her way of life. After months of silent longing he opens his door to find her standing there desperate for help after being evicted. Despite his limited income he welcomes her inside and their relationship soon develops into a passionate romance. <I>Claude's Confession</I> is a story of forbidden love fading hope and the false promise of modern life. Written at the very beginning of Zola's career it shows the innerworkings of a young mind interested in subjects too often ignored by writers a mind whose guiding principle is truth and truth alone. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript this edition of ��mile Zola's <I>Claude's Confession</I> is a classic work of French literature reimagined for modern readers.</p>