Susan Harrow

Susan Harrow, an expert on Emile Zola, Kate Griffiths, a professor specializing in 19th-century French literature, and Edmund Birch, a lecturer at Cambridge, delve into Zola's powerful novel, Germinal. They discuss the bleak realities faced by miners, exploring themes of poverty, exploitation, and the struggle for humanity amidst industrialization. The conversation highlights Zola's immersive research, his sociological narrative style, and the novel's lasting legacy in literature and art. The guests reveal how Zola's work resonates with modern labor issues, making it ever relevant.

Join Susan Harrow, an authority on French literature, Kate Griffiths, an expert in translation, and Edmund Birch, a cambridge lecturer, as they dive into Emile Zola's masterpiece, 'Germinal.' They discuss the gripping struggles of miners and the harsh life of Etienne Lantier, highlighting the stark realities of capitalism and the awakening of socialist ideas. The guests also explore Zola's unique narrative style and the profound impact of his work, emphasizing its relevance to contemporary societal issues. A compelling reflection on literature's power to provoke change!