Subject
Agricultural laborers -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ernest Pérochon
Les creux-de-maisons
"Les creux-de-maisons" by Ernest Pérochon is a novel published in 1912. The story follows Séverin Patureau, a day laborer who returns from military service with nothing but determination. He marries Delphine, and together they work tirelessly on farms in the Bocage region, dreaming of renting their own smallholding. To save money, they live in a "creux de maison," a squalid, half-underground dwelling. The novel exposes the brutal poverty of agricultural workers during France's Belle Époque.
Jeremias Gotthelf
Miten Uli-renki tulee onnelliseksi: Romaani
"Miten Uli-renki tulee onnelliseksi: Romaani" by Jeremias Gotthelf is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Uli, a farmhand whose irresponsible behavior leads him into a cycle of trouble and dissatisfaction in his life. The narrative explores themes of duty, the importance of character, and the societal expectations placed on both the working class and their employers. The opening of the novel introduces a rural household where the master, Johannes, is awakened by his wife, who is concerned about Uli's drunkenness and tardiness. Uli is portrayed as a physically strong but morally confused young man, whose choices have strained his relationship with his employer. Following a reprimand from Johannes, Uli vacillates between defensiveness and introspection, reflecting on his haphazard lifestyle and the challenges of poverty. The initial chapter sets a tone of tension and reveals the moral dilemmas faced by Uli, hinting at his potential for growth if he chooses a better path.
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