Its high moral
purpose was distinctly recognized by several even of its most bitter
detractors. For me the problem was how to retain the whole ensemble of
the narrative and the essence of the lessons which the work inculcates,
while recasting some portion of it and sacrificing those matters of form
to which exception was taken. It is not for me to say whether I have
succeeded in the task; but I think that nothing in any degree offensive
to delicate susceptibilities will be found in this present version of M.
Zola's book.
The English reviews of the French original showed that if certain
portions of it were deemed indiscreet, it none the less teemed with
admirable and even delightful pages. Among the English reviewers were two
well-known lady writers, Madame Darmesteter (formerly Miss Mary
Robinson), and Miss Hannah Lynch. And the former remarked in one part of
her critique: "Even this short review reveals how honest, how moral, how
human and comely is the fable of _Fecondite_,"* while the latter
expressed the view that the work was "eminently, pugnaciously virtuous in
M. Zola's strictly material conception of virtue." And again: "The pages
that tell the story of Mathieu and Marianne, it must be admitted, are as
charming as possible.
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