The Inferno

You, my love, will be poor, so as to be more like all other women. In order for us to live together I shall work all day and so be your servant. You will work affectionately for us both in this room -- and in my absence there will be nothing beside you but the pure, simple presence of your sewing machine. You will practice patience which is as long as life -- and maternity, which is as heavy as the world.

Henri Barbusse (1874-1935) describes life in terms as realistic as possible in this novel of the lone individual coming to grips with the quiet tragedy of existence. Published as L'Enfer in 1908, The Inferno cemented Barbusse's reputation as successor to Zola.