The Belly of Paris
by Emile Zola (1873)
The backdrop of this novel is the19th century food markets of Paris.
"He felt profoundly happy in the peacefulness and cleanliness of the garden. For nearly a year past he had only seen vegetables bruised and crushed by the jolting of market carts; vegetables torn up on the previous evening and still bleeding. He rejoiced to find them at home, in peace in the dark mould, and sound in every part. The cabbages had a bulky, prosperous apearance; the carrots looked bright and gay; and the lettuces lounged in line with an air of careless indolence."
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