The Beast Within

A tense, psychological thriller set upon the railway between Paris and Le Havre in the 19th century, “The Beast Within”, Émile Zola’s 1890 novel, is the story of Jacques Lantier, an engine driver on the railroad. Lantier is driven mad by the desire to kill a woman. After a visit to his Aunt Phasie, Lantier meets his cousin, Flore, with whom there has been a longstanding mutual attraction. Inflamed with desire he finds himself nearly attempting to satisfy his homicidal desire, but just nearly stops himself. Later following the incident he discovers the brutal murder of Grandmorin, one of the directors of the railway company. An investigation ensues and chief amongst the suspects are Roubaud, the deputy station master at Le Havre, and his wife Séverine, who both stand to inherit some property from Grandmorin. Lantier begins an affair with Séverine, whose marriage to Roubaud begins to become strained by the death of Grandmorin and the subsequent investigation. What follows is a series of tragic consequences for all involved as the novel races to its thrilling conclusion. This edition includes a biographical afterword and follows the translation of Edward Vizetelly.