La Débâcle

by Émile Zola

"La Débâcle" by Émile Zola is a novel published in 1892, the nineteenth volume of the Rougon-Macquart series. Set during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it follows Jean Macquart, a corporal witnessing the collapse of the French army at Sedan and the fall of the Second Empire. The story centers on his friendship with soldier Maurice Levasseur, an intellectual with opposing ideals. Their bond survives war but faces ultimate tragedy during the Paris Commune's bloody week, when they find themselves on opposite sides.