Die Früchte des Meeres • Émile Zola

A few years ago, mare Verlag expanded its classics series with smaller editions. These have a much more compact format and, in the most recent releases, the content has mostly been short stories or novellas. I’ve really liked this so far—little treats for in between, so to speak. As always, with the sea as a backdrop, especially outstanding novellas with the odd special twist are presented here. The Fruits of the Sea by Émile Zola is the latest volume in the series. Find out here whether the two novellas in this little book are actually worth reading.

The first novella, titled Shellfish for Monsieur Chabre, is about a former grain merchant who has become wealthy through his business and married a much younger and very beautiful woman. However, no offspring arrive, and so his doctor advises him to travel to the seaside with his wife and eat plenty of seafood to boost his potency. There they meet the young and handsome Breton, Hector. The story takes its course.

The second novella, The Fête at Coqueville, is set in a small fishing village. Two feuding families have competed for centuries in this remote little place right on the coast, living off the catch. One day a cask of delicious alcohol suddenly washes ashore. The tiny population is thrilled, and from that day on, barrels of the finest alcoholic beverages keep arriving. A development that has a surprisingly lasting effect on the village’s small social fabric.

I once read that you either like the books of Honoré de Balzac or those of Émile Zola, but never both at the same time (with the possible exception of Zola’s Nana). I’ve always been in Balzac’s camp, and apart from Zola’s Nana (which I really liked) and Thérèse Raquin (which was too dark and negative for me), I haven’t read much by him. So I was curious what these two novellas would bring. Zola, one of the key figures of Naturalism, was known for his unsparing look at society and human fate. Two novellas similar to Thérèse Raquin, then?

The tone of both novellas surprised me. Contrary to expectations, it’s light and humorous, always with a gently satirical undertone. According to the afterword, Zola wrote these novellas as a break from the realist-naturalist perspective of his novels. Zola, who loved spending time by the sea, also took a literary vacation here. The novellas read easily and will make you smile again and again—over the awkward Monsieur Chabre or the inhabitants of Coqueville as they get completely plastered. The latter novella almost reminded me of Daphnis and Chloe—an elemental community with a way of life all its own: simple, close to nature, and very authentic.

Both novellas are very pleasant to read, and Zola keeps a good pace and a well-balanced arc of suspense that consistently entertains. You want to know how things turn out. At the same time, the maritime setting provides a wonderful backdrop—perfect as beach reading, and perfect in winter for dreaming of warm days by the sea. I love the sea as an element in books. As a mirror of people, as a setting, as an untamed force of nature—however it appears in literature, it simply enriches every story.

I’m a big fan of mare’s small classics series. With this little book I again had the feeling that it’s absolutely clear why these novellas deserve to be reissued and read. They have that certain something, a punch line that—even when foreseeable—is still a joy to read. “Treat” is exactly the right word here. It’s like a post-work beer: you can do without it, you won’t indulge every day, but when you do, it’s a pleasant pleasure that makes life a little better.

These little books are gorgeous, and you won’t have to compromise on bibliophilia. The printed cloth binding with a fitting painting is very high quality and pleasing to the eye. In sunlight it shimmers beautifully and has a very pleasant texture that just feels good. There’s even thread stitching for the binding, which has now become a real rarity. A ribbon bookmark is included. An open slipcase adds another touch of class. The price is debatable—at €22 the book isn’t exactly cheap—but taken together you really do get a lot for it. It’s perfect as a gift thanks to this presentation—especially for yourself. The afterword is informative, situates the work within Zola’s oeuvre, and provides background on his connection to the sea.

Conclusion: Mare’s small classics reliably deliver remarkably fine novellas and short stories. The Fruits of the Sea is no exception, presenting two surprisingly humorous and light tales by Émile Zola. It’s relaxing and entertaining to pick up this lovely book in the evening and immerse yourself in its atmospheric maritime world. With its bibliophile production, it’s an excellent gift—particularly to oneself. A beautiful book that will take its permanent place on my shelf alongside the other classics in the series.

Book information: Die Früchte des Meeres • Émile Zola • mare Verlag • 192 pages • ISBN 9783866487369