For those wanting to explore the works of Zola without initially committing to a lengthy work, 'For a Night of Love' is the ideal choice. The Hesperus Press edition contains the eponymous short story alongside 'Nantas' and 'Le Jeune' (translated as 'Fasting'). The three stories are linked by their themes of deception and dissatisfaction, and Zola presents characters bargaining for romantic, financial or religious assurances. Typically gritty work from the author famed for his skill in literary naturalism.