The Dream by Émile Zola

Published in 1888, THE DREAM is the sixteenth book of the Rougon-Macquart series by Émile Zola. The novel tackles for the third time the topic of religious faith, but less controversially than in his previous novels. The action takes place in Picardy around Angélique Rougon, the main character. Angélique is enthralled by the tales of the saints and martyrs, and dreams to marry a handsome prince. The general theme of the novel is the revival of mysticism in France.