Beast-Man is the novel by Émile Zola, the French writer, publicist, and politician. The book is part of the “Rougon-Macquart” series. The main character, Jacques Lantier, works as an engine driver at a station in Le Havre, operating a locomotive he affectionately calls “Lizonne.” Jacques hides his mental illness from everyone: he wants to possess a woman and then kill her. Only his work— a high-speed train—can distract his thoughts from the desired murder.