L'Assommoir (the Drinking Den, or Dram Shop)

L'Assommoir is Émile Zola's acclaimed novel, which presents a close look at rampant poverty and alcoholism in nineteenth century Paris.

Released in 1877, L'Assommoir's unflinching descriptions of the poor and their dependency on drink is told through the eyes of Gervaise Macquart, a young woman who accompanies her lover to Paris. Although abandoned by Lantler, Gervaise finds work as a washerwoman in one of the city's seediest districts; and through good fortune and hard work is eventually able to open her own laundry and have a daughter, Anna.

Her new romance, Coupeau, is a teetoler and a skilled roofer, and for a time the pair live happily. However Coupeau suffers an injury which requires a lengthy, painful recovery. During his convalescence, he takes to drink; before long Coupeau is a temperamental and vindictive alcoholic, with no desire to work. For Gervaise, the pressure mounts as the situation at home becomes untenable and her business consequently suffers.

Lauded by temperance groups for its vivid depiction of the costs alcohol can wreak upon people, L'Assommoir resulted in Emile Zola enjoying wide recognition within and outside France. He was frequently hosted by temperance societies, where he would speak about the dangers of alcohol abuse. Social historians have also praised this work for its realism; not only did Zola raise awareness over the perils of drink, he also highlighted the abysmal poverty the citizens of Paris suffered under.