Description:
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic novel for this century
The Ladies Paradise written in the nineteenth century rings true of today's consumerism. Emile Zola examines in this socialistic novel the effects of consumerism on customers and employees. The customers who are women are drawn to the items that are displayed on the tables. Octave Mouret, the storeowner, knows what women desire and sets forth to use it to bring in profits. The lace, stockings, velvet are feminine fabrics that entice women to spend money, even if they don't have it.As a retail employee, I have dealt with customers who don't have the money to buy the items but want to get it. I am a customer who buys what is displayed because I think it is going to be an investment. I can relate to small stores like Uncle Baudu's. Businesses like his struggle to stay afloat amongst corporate expansion. They entice clients with their sales and bargains--things that I look for when I shop. Small stores can provide what the big stores don't have. One way or the other, the consumer can get some sort of balance. Working at both a community store and a corporate store, one thing that matters most to customers is service. Customers want to be treated with respect and they expect sales associate to be enthused and answer their questions; even if it is trivial.Denise Baudu, a simple country girl, arrives in Paris to get a job at her uncle's drapery shop. To her disappointment he doesn't have a job for her because his store is losing customers to the Ladies Paradise. The mall provides goods that are cheaper than the small shops and have a selection of fabrics not only from the mother country, but imported from Asia. He suggests to his niece that she get a job there.The store fascinates her but she does feel some betrayal towards her uncle. Her uncle's business, along with the small stores, are struggling to stay afloat. With the expansion of the mall, these stores are forced to close because they can't compete with them. Uncle Baudu's hopes of his business staying for the long haul are shattered.Denise is at first, shy and awkward. She is the target of cruel and malicious slander from the employees including assistant buyer Madame Aurelie. Zola unfolds the lives of the sales employees. The money they make in retail isn't sufficient to support them. The women take to prostitution. Claire has three men supporting her material needs. Pauline befriends Denise and suggests that she get herself a lover to support her financially. Denise doesn't take that advice because it is not in her interest to be a prostitute. She is determined to keep herself and her family together without falling apart which makes the women envious of her.The novel is centered around an actual person Aristide Boucicaut who founded Le Bon Marche which remains today at the center of Parisian culture. Denise is believed to be the model of his wife Marguerite. Zola puts into a social perspective that exists til this day.
5.0 out of 5 stars Different to the BBC series and much better
I had never read a Zola book and found it extremely interesting. Different from the BBC series, it has more depth, inasmuch as the characters and the plot are both more intricate and deep. The relationship among the characters is also more intriguing. There is the natural backstabbing, which you find in almost every workplace, and envy, but also friendship and love. Denise's plight in the beginning of the book is touching -- I can't imagine what working with her ruined shoes would be like. Also, Denise does not have these "ideas" she has in the series. She is just a shop girl who falls in love with her boss. Some readers complained about the excessive describing used by Zola, but this is a characteristic of the age, and it also helps you realize the grandeur of the department store, whereas in the series it seems it is so small.José Eduardo's wife
4.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read
I didn't want to like this book. A novel about the birth of the modern department store? How could that be interesting? And once again, Zola proves me wrong. I think he could take any subject and make it gripping. Although it was set during the time of the Second Empire of France, much of the plot is as relevant today as when it was written.Two chapters were particularly captivating: one about the day of the first big sale—the imagery of the river sucking in the customers was addictive—and another about the demise of the artisan shopkeepers using the metaphor of a death and the subsequent funeral and mourning. The protagonist, Denise, is among the few of Zola's characters in the Rougon-Macquart cycle who is sympathetic and honorable throughout the story. The transformation of Octave Mouret, who we got to know in Pot Luck (Pot Bouille), is a pleasant surprise. He was such a unlikeable character in the earlier novel. In this story, we witness growth and admire his brilliance in business.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
There was a movie about this book, but I needed to read the book. It was so much better! I’m glad I read the book.
3.0 out of 5 stars Good Story But Too much merchandise description
I generally enjoyed the story, but became bored with what I felt was excessive and repetitive description of the merchandise. I was impressed with Zola's understanding of retail commerce and his contrast of the small merchant to the department store. It is reminiscent of Wal-Mart vs. the small retailer. The love story was just O.K. The subplots added interest to the story. All in all I expected a more involving story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Zola Translation
I have never read such idiotic reviews for a book such as for this particular publication. Do these people actually read books? I doubt it. I am fluent in French, but wanted an English translation. Emile Zola was one of the greatest of French writers and yet some reviewers wrote the most remarkable ignorant things about this novel. Pure idiotie! It is an accomplished translation reflecting the subtle capture of rhythm, balance, colour and their proliferating detail. It is published by Oxford University Press and is a scholarly edition containing pertinent information such as an Introduction, Biography, Selected Bibliography, Chronology, Explanatory Notes and even a map of the Arrondissement. I would strongly recommend this edition to anyone who does not like Reality Shows and Shopping Chanels on Television for 'entertainment'.
What was life like before going to the mall? Find out here!
As a writer he is not my favourite in terms of style but if you want to understand our western consumer lifestyle all you need to do is read this book. This book is about the advent of the modern department store. Scores of respectable middle class ladies began shoplifting - their heads were turned by the enticing displays of luxury goods - other families went bankrupt - and of course there are plenty of romances and scandals behind the counter - ‘Commesse’ or ‘Are you being served?’ - this is the original! It all starts here!
Five Stars
I watched the paradise on Netflix and couldn't wait to read this book!
MUST READ!!!
Vintage Emile Zola
Wonderful and speedy service
Excellent service
A good read
I bought this book for my wife after watching The Paradise. It is a good book to read and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
Visit the Oxford University Press Store
The Ladies' Paradise (Oxford World's Classics)
AED10109
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
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While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
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Similar items from “Classics”
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Visit the Oxford University Press Store
The Ladies' Paradise (Oxford World's Classics)
AED10109
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic novel for this century
The Ladies Paradise written in the nineteenth century rings true of today's consumerism. Emile Zola examines in this socialistic novel the effects of consumerism on customers and employees. The customers who are women are drawn to the items that are displayed on the tables. Octave Mouret, the storeowner, knows what women desire and sets forth to use it to bring in profits. The lace, stockings, velvet are feminine fabrics that entice women to spend money, even if they don't have it.As a retail employee, I have dealt with customers who don't have the money to buy the items but want to get it. I am a customer who buys what is displayed because I think it is going to be an investment. I can relate to small stores like Uncle Baudu's. Businesses like his struggle to stay afloat amongst corporate expansion. They entice clients with their sales and bargains--things that I look for when I shop. Small stores can provide what the big stores don't have. One way or the other, the consumer can get some sort of balance. Working at both a community store and a corporate store, one thing that matters most to customers is service. Customers want to be treated with respect and they expect sales associate to be enthused and answer their questions; even if it is trivial.Denise Baudu, a simple country girl, arrives in Paris to get a job at her uncle's drapery shop. To her disappointment he doesn't have a job for her because his store is losing customers to the Ladies Paradise. The mall provides goods that are cheaper than the small shops and have a selection of fabrics not only from the mother country, but imported from Asia. He suggests to his niece that she get a job there.The store fascinates her but she does feel some betrayal towards her uncle. Her uncle's business, along with the small stores, are struggling to stay afloat. With the expansion of the mall, these stores are forced to close because they can't compete with them. Uncle Baudu's hopes of his business staying for the long haul are shattered.Denise is at first, shy and awkward. She is the target of cruel and malicious slander from the employees including assistant buyer Madame Aurelie. Zola unfolds the lives of the sales employees. The money they make in retail isn't sufficient to support them. The women take to prostitution. Claire has three men supporting her material needs. Pauline befriends Denise and suggests that she get herself a lover to support her financially. Denise doesn't take that advice because it is not in her interest to be a prostitute. She is determined to keep herself and her family together without falling apart which makes the women envious of her.The novel is centered around an actual person Aristide Boucicaut who founded Le Bon Marche which remains today at the center of Parisian culture. Denise is believed to be the model of his wife Marguerite. Zola puts into a social perspective that exists til this day.
5.0 out of 5 stars Different to the BBC series and much better
I had never read a Zola book and found it extremely interesting. Different from the BBC series, it has more depth, inasmuch as the characters and the plot are both more intricate and deep. The relationship among the characters is also more intriguing. There is the natural backstabbing, which you find in almost every workplace, and envy, but also friendship and love. Denise's plight in the beginning of the book is touching -- I can't imagine what working with her ruined shoes would be like. Also, Denise does not have these "ideas" she has in the series. She is just a shop girl who falls in love with her boss. Some readers complained about the excessive describing used by Zola, but this is a characteristic of the age, and it also helps you realize the grandeur of the department store, whereas in the series it seems it is so small.José Eduardo's wife
4.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read
I didn't want to like this book. A novel about the birth of the modern department store? How could that be interesting? And once again, Zola proves me wrong. I think he could take any subject and make it gripping. Although it was set during the time of the Second Empire of France, much of the plot is as relevant today as when it was written.Two chapters were particularly captivating: one about the day of the first big sale—the imagery of the river sucking in the customers was addictive—and another about the demise of the artisan shopkeepers using the metaphor of a death and the subsequent funeral and mourning. The protagonist, Denise, is among the few of Zola's characters in the Rougon-Macquart cycle who is sympathetic and honorable throughout the story. The transformation of Octave Mouret, who we got to know in Pot Luck (Pot Bouille), is a pleasant surprise. He was such a unlikeable character in the earlier novel. In this story, we witness growth and admire his brilliance in business.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
There was a movie about this book, but I needed to read the book. It was so much better! I’m glad I read the book.
3.0 out of 5 stars Good Story But Too much merchandise description
I generally enjoyed the story, but became bored with what I felt was excessive and repetitive description of the merchandise. I was impressed with Zola's understanding of retail commerce and his contrast of the small merchant to the department store. It is reminiscent of Wal-Mart vs. the small retailer. The love story was just O.K. The subplots added interest to the story. All in all I expected a more involving story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Zola Translation
I have never read such idiotic reviews for a book such as for this particular publication. Do these people actually read books? I doubt it. I am fluent in French, but wanted an English translation. Emile Zola was one of the greatest of French writers and yet some reviewers wrote the most remarkable ignorant things about this novel. Pure idiotie! It is an accomplished translation reflecting the subtle capture of rhythm, balance, colour and their proliferating detail. It is published by Oxford University Press and is a scholarly edition containing pertinent information such as an Introduction, Biography, Selected Bibliography, Chronology, Explanatory Notes and even a map of the Arrondissement. I would strongly recommend this edition to anyone who does not like Reality Shows and Shopping Chanels on Television for 'entertainment'.
What was life like before going to the mall? Find out here!
As a writer he is not my favourite in terms of style but if you want to understand our western consumer lifestyle all you need to do is read this book. This book is about the advent of the modern department store. Scores of respectable middle class ladies began shoplifting - their heads were turned by the enticing displays of luxury goods - other families went bankrupt - and of course there are plenty of romances and scandals behind the counter - ‘Commesse’ or ‘Are you being served?’ - this is the original! It all starts here!
Five Stars
I watched the paradise on Netflix and couldn't wait to read this book!
MUST READ!!!
Vintage Emile Zola
Wonderful and speedy service
Excellent service
A good read
I bought this book for my wife after watching The Paradise. It is a good book to read and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
More from this brand
Similar items from “Classics”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0199536902