As many French highschool students, I had to go through reading most of Zola's novels. To be honest, I hated it and I hated reading his books. Zola had this theory that whatever one is doing, his family traits will always win the battle. Nana is no different, and as such I should have hated the novel. But the last few lines made it up for the entire novel. This is the story of Nana, daughter of a drunk and a prostitute. As in every Zola's novel, there is an up and there is a big down. Nana sees herself climbing the steps of society and becomes a very important courtesan. However, money drives her and it is the money that will finally kill her. Actually the last words of the novel are about who paid for her debts and that's why I liked the novel. I haven't read it since high school, so this is a very sketchy review. But, try it, the novel is fool of sarcasm and irony, where money is the main character.