It is the 9th novel in Zola's famous 20-volume "Rougon-Macquart Cycle," and in it, heredity and a squalid environment threaten to doom the title character to a life of prostitution. The complete contents of this collection are: "Nana," "The Miller's Daughter," "Captain Burle," and "The Death of Olivier Becaille." A great collection by a famous French author, this is truly wonderful.

Zola is not one of the greatest. But it’s a classic and must be read. His characters are roughly sketched and his stories often don’t go anywhere. Occasionally they are outright laughable (especially the short stories!). However, his “group scenes” are very strong and he undoubtedly synthesizes with style the flavors of his times. In those days talking about the smells of the boudoir of a courtesan, for instance, was ultra-risque. 

Contents

Nana -- The Miller's Daughter -- Captain Burle -- Death of Olivier Becaille