La Conquête de Plassans
Publication date
1874
Book Cover
English Translations
The Conquest of Plassans (1900)
Published by Chatto and Windus with Intro by EA Vizetelly
A Priest in the House (1957)
Published by Elek Books Ltd and translated by Brian Rhys
My Translation
My translation is the 1957 Elek books version by Brian Rhys. I obtained a very good copy from Margaret Riccetti Rare Books in Sheffield, UK via www.Abebooks.co.uk
Setting
The book is set almost entirely in the fictional town of Plassans which as discussed elsewhere is based on Aix en Provence. There are occassional forays to villages outside of the town most noticeably Les Tulettes in which is situated a lunatic asylum. Within Plassans the majority of the action takes place in the Mouret's house and the Church of Saint Saturnin.
Summary
The book is the story of the priest Abbé Faujas and his rise to power in the town of Plassans, having been sent secretly by the emperor's officials in Paris to bring back into line the voters there who had at the previous election voted in a legitimist candidate. It is also the story of the Mouret's family and their descent into madness and in Mme Mouret's case madness via religious fervour. The ending is shocking and I will not reveal it here. The action in the book takes place over 5 years from 1856 to 1861.
My View
The book is in many ways predictable as to its conclusion. However, there is always an element of doubt as to the character and motivation of Abbé Faujas which keeps the suspense going. The ancillary character portrayals are great. I particularly liked the Trouches who are almost as cartoon-like as Dickens comic characters in places. As ever, Zola gives you plenty to dislike in the characters. The descent into madness seemed a bit rapid for me but this is a quibble. Overall, I enjoyed reading this and definitely deserves a higher profile amongst his English speaking audience.