The Ladies' Paradise
Product ID: 174227548
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The Ladies Paradise ( Au Bonheur des Dames ), now a TV series called The Paradise based on this classic novel, recounts the rise of the modern department store in late nineteenth-century Paris. The store is a symbol of capitalism, of the modern city, and of the bourgeois family: it is emblematic of changes in consumer culture and the changes in sexual attitudes and class relations taking place at the end of the century. This new translation of the eleventh novel in the Rougon-Macquart cycle captures the spirit of one of Zola's greatest works. About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. Review: What was life like before going to the mall? Find out here! - As a writer he is not my favourite in terms of style but if you want to understand our western consumer lifestyle all you need to do is read this book. This book is about the advent of the modern department store. Scores of respectable middle class ladies began shoplifting - their heads were turned by the enticing displays of luxury goods - other families went bankrupt - and of course there are plenty of romances and scandals behind the counter - ‘Commesse’ or ‘Are you being served?’ - this is the original! It all starts here! Review: A good read - I bought this book for my wife after watching The Paradise. It is a good book to read and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
E**R
What was life like before going to the mall? Find out here!
As a writer he is not my favourite in terms of style but if you want to understand our western consumer lifestyle all you need to do is read this book. This book is about the advent of the modern department store. Scores of respectable middle class ladies began shoplifting - their heads were turned by the enticing displays of luxury goods - other families went bankrupt - and of course there are plenty of romances and scandals behind the counter - ‘Commesse’ or ‘Are you being served?’ - this is the original! It all starts here!
T**R
A good read
I bought this book for my wife after watching The Paradise. It is a good book to read and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
D**N
MUST READ!!!
Vintage Emile Zola
A**N
Couldn't put it down!
I was inspired to purchase this book after watching the BBC series based on this novel. I'm so glad I did because the book is sooo much more interesting! TIP: Do Not read the introduction - keys points in the plot and the ending are given away. The development of the story is spoiled, which is important since it is so different from the television series if that is what you're basing your purchase on. And if it isn't, then it really is annoying. Fortunately, the history of how department stores were developed (key in this story) is so fascinating, I couldn't put the book down. The background research done by the author is deep and well sourced. Even though this book was written in 1883, much of what is written seems to apply to current society. You will discover that there is very little new in sales techniques, marketing and promotion! Bottom line = classic books are classic for a reason! Very well written, truly gripping.
J**E
Different to the BBC series and much better
I had never read a Zola book and found it extremely interesting. Different from the BBC series, it has more depth, inasmuch as the characters and the plot are both more intricate and deep. The relationship among the characters is also more intriguing. There is the natural backstabbing, which you find in almost every workplace, and envy, but also friendship and love. Denise's plight in the beginning of the book is touching -- I can't imagine what working with her ruined shoes would be like. Also, Denise does not have these "ideas" she has in the series. She is just a shop girl who falls in love with her boss. Some readers complained about the excessive describing used by Zola, but this is a characteristic of the age, and it also helps you realize the grandeur of the department store, whereas in the series it seems it is so small. José Eduardo's wife
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