For a Night of Love

"For a Night of Love" by Émile Zola is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a small town, the book explores the themes of love, desire, and moral complexity through the eyes of the protagonist, Julien Michon, whose unrequited feelings lead him into a web of dark circumstances. It delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the crushing weight of societal expectations. The story follows Julien, a socially awkward clerk, who becomes infatuated with the aloof Therese de Marsanne, a beautiful young woman living in a grand mansion across from his window. Initially captivated by her grace and mystery, Julien's love turns into obsession when, after a series of chance encounters and his music drawing Therese's attention, he is thrust into a tragic scenario. Therese, caught in a passionate but tumultuous romance with Colombel, inadvertently kills him during a struggle. Seeking help to hide the crime, she manipulates Julien into disposing of the body, thereby intertwining their fates in a disastrous manner. The plot unfolds with intense emotional turmoil, leading to a dark conclusion that reflects the brutal reality of love and betrayal. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Émile Édouard Charles Antoine Zola was a French novelist, journalist, playwright, the best-known practitioner of the literary school of naturalism, and an important contributor to the development of theatrical naturalism. He was a major figure in the political liberalization of France and in the exoneration of the falsely accused and convicted army officer Alfred Dreyfus, which is encapsulated in his renowned newspaper opinion headlined J'Accuse…!  Zola was nominated for the first and second Nobel prizes in literature in 1901 and 1902.