Miller's Daughter

Emile Zola was a French journalist, novelist and short story writer, noted as the founder and practitioner of the theory of naturalism. Being a follower of concept of political liberalization, he found his voice as portraitist and dispassionate scientific observer of French society, human nature, and moral decay. 

Published in 1880, “Miller's Daughter” is a short story, in which Zola highlights the futility of war and the destruction it causes. During the story the town and mill are captured by Prussian soldiers who terrorize the miller, Perez Merlier, his daughter Francoise, and her fiance Dominique. 

A master of naturalistic genre, Zola depicts superbly the most extreme emotions out of his characters. His stories got an acclaim from all over the world, and his person is considered as one of the greatest figure of 19th century. Enjoy the reading.