Thérése Raquin-Émile Zola

Thérése Raquin, a novel written by Émile Zola in 1866, is a tale of adultery and murder in the quiet and dark Parisian streets; the narration of the author, despite the graphic and sometimes terrifying content, is cold and almost clinical. The shocking twists and turns of the novel and the protagonists' actions are spoken in a conversational tone, almost as though the reader is to expect such things from the characters. The individuals described in the novel are carefully created and analysed, with minute details being made to seem vitally important to the plot line, such as the colour of clothing, smoking habits or even the hair style of characters. This writing style, though sometimes infuriating, does add a certain charm to the novel, and certainly 'brings the book alive' to the audience.

If you are not a fan of French Literature, I personally believe this could be the book to change your mind. Even though it was written almost 150 years ago, the ease of the story and pace of the novel are comparable to that of a modern day book.