Zola, Émile 1840-1902 creator Palm, Maria text utu 2016 monographic fi 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Kivihiilenkaivajat" by Émile Zola is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores the harsh realities of coal mining through the eyes of a struggling protagonist and the collective struggles of miners in a small industrial town. The main character, Étienne Lantier, is a desperate young man seeking employment and a semblance of stability amidst dire circumstances. The opening of the novel introduces Étienne as he journeys through a dark, cold night towards the Montsou coal mine. He struggles with the biting wind and his own unemployment, filled with a mix of hope and despair. Upon reaching the mine, he encounters a few seasoned workers who share their grim experiences, emphasizing the lack of jobs and their hardships in a slowly collapsing industry. This initial encounter sets the tone for the novel, highlighting the oppressive conditions of the working class and the dire need for change, while also foreshadowing Étienne's future involvement with the mining community and their struggle for better living conditions. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2016-07-05 Produced by Juha Kiuru and Tapio Riikonen Original publication data not identified Coal miners -- Fiction Coal mines and mining -- Fiction Political fiction Strikes and lockouts -- Fiction Labor disputes -- Fiction France, Northern -- Fiction PQ Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52503 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52503 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134217.0 52503