A review by estellegodard
Au Bonheur Des Dames by Émile Zola

slow-paced

3.5

i enjoyed this classic in ebbs and flows. for much of it, I found the setting to be interesting & the character dynamics to be fun to read about it. I especially liked the descriptions of paris in this ever-changing era, the juxtaposition between the small boutiques and the big department store. however, there are passages of long descriptions , specifically in the last few chapters when they are having the all-white sale, that feel endless and drone on for too long. I also thought the ending was far too rushed, especially after all the time we spend with the characters.