02168cam a22003013u 4500 10346 UtSlPG 20260610133241.0 m cr n 260607r2003||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG fr iso639-1 PT Buysse, Cyriel, 1859-1932 C'Était ainsi... Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2003 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2003-12-01 Produced by Marc D'Hooghe and Anne Dreze "C'Était ainsi..." by Cyriel Buysse is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set in a small Flemish village, the story revolves around the lives of factory workers and the complex social dynamics within the working class, particularly focusing on the characters involved in Mr. de Beule's oil and flour mill. The opening introduces the setting and various characters, highlighting both the laborious daily routines and the intricate interpersonal relationships that develop within the confines of their work environment. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the factory’s atmosphere as well as the struggles of its workers. It begins by detailing the arrival of Mr. de Beule's steam-powered factory and establishes an environment filled with noise, toil, and camaraderie among the workers. Key figures like Bruun, the temperamental engineer; Berzeel, a former fighter with a volatile nature; and Pierken, an increasingly discontented worker stirring thoughts on social justice, are introduced alongside others who reflect the varied experiences and emotions of labor life. This introductory section sets the stage for exploring themes of social inequality, personal ambition, and the resilience of the working class in the face of hardship. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10346 51842 51842