Publisher's Synopsis
The Dream is a poignant exploration of the impossibility of love in the face of social constraints. In it Zola posits the naivety of a young Christian girl alongside society's unrelenting expectations to create a tale of beauty and sorrow, vivid in its naturalistic detail. Abandoned as a young child, Angelique find a new home with Hubert and Hubertine who bring her up into a life of purity. Increasingly fascinated by the lives of the saints, she creates a world where ancient legends comes to life: she lives in a dream. Such innocence, however, is ill preparation for the trials that life has to bring, and when her plans to marry are rejected out of hand by those stronger and more powerful than her simple family, she is dealt a blow that shatters not only her dream world, but also her life 'In this author's world view, we tell ourselves, the dream will always be brushed aside by brutal reality, ironised, crushed. Be prepared for a surprise.' - from the Foreword by Tim Parks
