The description for this edition is off by about 98%. This is *not* ... a collection of these well-crafted tales about life in provincial France. ThisThe description for this edition is off by about 98%. This is *not* ... a collection of these well-crafted tales about life in provincial France. This is a short novel that mostly takes place in privincial France. The time period for most of the novel is in 1822/23. In the first part Balzac tells us how the noblity lost their land under Napoleon, how much of the nobility actually emigrated to avoid the guillotine.
The family that is at the center of this novel is that of d'Esgrignon. In 1822, the family consists of the Marquis, his sister Mlle. Armande, and the Marquis son, Victorinen. Victorinen's mother died in childbirth. Victorinen has been raised by his aunt. The Marquis d'Esgrignon still believes in the superiority of the nobility and for some reason no one tells him differently. The Marquis and others of the town nobility are called by the townspeople "The Cabinet of Antiquities." Further, there is one family that was spurned in the past and has vowed revenge for more than 20 years. de Croisier plots his opportunity.
The d'Esgrignons are no longer a wealthy family, though no one would say they had fallen into poverty. Victorinen must marry and preferably someone who will have a substantial dowry. He sets off to Paris. But the young man has been given to believe in that same superiority as his father believes and, further, has no idea that he isn't a wealthy young man.
I did not read this edition, but instead the one included in Works of Honore de Balzac. I don't know who was the translator, but I think it was a good one. Still, this is not a title to be read unless one plans to read all, or nearly all, of Balzac's Comédie Humaine and even for me this doesn't quite make 4-stars.
Someone is telling a story to another and consequently every paragraph is in quotes. There is also conversation between the story teller and the listeSomeone is telling a story to another and consequently every paragraph is in quotes. There is also conversation between the story teller and the listener which is also in quotes. And then, too, the people in the story are supposed to represent real people so toward the end the story names and the real names are used inter-changeable. At least that's what I think was happening. Confusion reigned! In my quest to have read all of Balzac, I'll just say I'm glad this is behind me. ...more
This is an early story by Balzac set near Tours where he was born. Balzac describes the area before introducing his characters. Not knowing French, itThis is an early story by Balzac set near Tours where he was born. Balzac describes the area before introducing his characters. Not knowing French, it was interesting to me that La Grenadière is meant to refer to pomegranates, some of which were growing in the garden of the house of the same name in the story. It is obvious Balzac had not yet hit his stride as an author. I think if I had not already read other's by him, I might not even recognize his potential with this story. It is not as bad as 2-stars, but certainly wallows at the bottom of the 3-star group....more
Balzac prefaces his story by telling us that Napoleon has been invited to the ball but is late because he is having an argument with his wife, JosephiBalzac prefaces his story by telling us that Napoleon has been invited to the ball but is late because he is having an argument with his wife, Josephine. He tells us that this argument will lead to his divorce. And so I was led to believe Napoleon would eventually make his appearance. Would it be a spoiler to tell you I waited in vain? The story is really about some of Balzac's fictional characters. By the end, I was wondering if O.Henry had been influenced by Balzac. I'll admit that the actual reading of the story was eclipsed by the ending which I loved. If I were honest this is probably just 3-stars, but you'll find me a liar today and willing to stretch the truth....more
This is one of Balzac's earliest stories. The setting is that of Napoleon's occupation in Spain in the town of Menda. When the Spaniards rise up and kThis is one of Balzac's earliest stories. The setting is that of Napoleon's occupation in Spain in the town of Menda. When the Spaniards rise up and kill the occupying soldiers, one man escapes to report to the General. What follows is a tale of revenge - and sorrow....more
This is either a long short story or a short novella from his Philosophical Studies. Balzac breaks it into Three Chapters: Exposition, Auction, The HiThis is either a long short story or a short novella from his Philosophical Studies. Balzac breaks it into Three Chapters: Exposition, Auction, The History of Madam Diard. At the end of the second chapter, he tells us "The foregoing rapid narrative is not the principal subject of this Study, for the understanding of which it was necessary to explain how it happened that (view spoiler)[the quartermaster Diard married Juana di Mancini, that Montefiore and Diard were intimately known to each other, and to show plainly what blood and what passions were in Madam Diard (hide spoiler)]." I know, I try very hard not to put spoilers in my review, but stating the preface of the first two parts seemed reasonable, so I have put the rest behind the spoiler tag.
I have not warmed to the few others in his Philosophical Studies, but this was very good. After what seemed a slow beginning, the pace picked up. For Balzac, it's a page turner. I have to qualify "page turner" as even when I'm really interested in what he writes, I hardly ever think I can't get to the next page soon enough. As I read Balzac on my Kindle, all of which are unpaged, I don't know exactly when I wanted to know everything, but it must have been about the last 15-20 pages, certainly no more. But, oh my, those pages were some of the best Balzac I have read. Only because this is so short, it is a mere 4-stars, and I might be shaving a star at that....more
The first story, A Study of a Woman, gives us the introduction to Rastignac, a character who is seen in many of the stories Final Update June 22, 2020
The first story, A Study of a Woman, gives us the introduction to Rastignac, a character who is seen in many of the stories and novels. Rastignac danced with the Marquise de Listomere at a party one evening. The next day he wrote a love letter, which was inadvertently misaddressed to the Marquise. Freud would have had a field day with that! When Rastignac learns what he has done, what should he do?
The second story: Another Study of a Woman, is completely different from the first and the longest of the three. The wealthy of Paris lived for their parties if Balzac is any indication. In this, there was a supper "after" the party with a dozen or so who had been specially invited to stay. This was when the real conversations took place. Balzac has these guests discussing what a real lady is. “Formerly a woman might have the voice of a fish-seller, the walk of a grenadier, the face of an impudent courtesan, her hair too high on her forehead, a large foot, a thick hand — she was a great lady in spite of it all; but in these days, even if she were a Montmorency — if a Montmorency would ever be such a creature — she would not be a lady.” What follows is a discourse on what a lady was in 1840. I'm sure I missed most of the humor, but I took it to be more than just somewhat snarky.
The third story: La Grande Breteche borders very closely on horror. Keep in mind, I say this not being a reader of horror stories. La Grande Breteche is a mansion that has fallen into ruin. The narrator of the story is Dr. Bianchon who is staying in Vendome treating a wealthy patient. He tells his story at the same dinner party as in Another Study of a Woman. The story is how such an obviously once very fashionable dwelling came to be in such disrepair. The prose seemed better than in some of other of Balzac's work. It is translated by the same women who translated many of Balzac's novels and stories. Perhaps Balzac just felt more comfortable telling this story. In any case, I liked this one - despite how I class the genre - as the best of the three....more
A small group of adults is sitting around chatting when the question arises: If a woman is unfaithful, is it the man's or the woman's fault? One of thA small group of adults is sitting around chatting when the question arises: If a woman is unfaithful, is it the man's or the woman's fault? One of the men then tells the story of Honorine, how he came to know her and her story.
It never ceases to amaze me how authors have insight into the human condition, one which they themselves have not experienced. When Balzac penned this story, he had not yet been married. His biography attributes at least two affairs with women already married. Can an outsider understand marriage? Two quotes from Honorine: "A young bride is like a plucked flower; but a guilty wife is like a flower that had been walked over." and "Marriage is based on esteem, on sacrifices on both sides; ..."
Balzac chose to have one of his characters tell this story, at best of novella length. I think it would have been better had he spent more time with it and let it develop as a novel. But Balzac was always short of money and perhaps he just needed to get this written and out the door so he could pay some bills. Still, it has reminded me of why I like reading him and that I need/want to look at some more titles and work them into reading him again. If this crosses the 3-/4-star line, it just barely does so, but that might be because I have read others by him that surpass it.
Balzac wastes little time giving us background for this story that is shorter than most. It could easily be read in one sitting. I am a slow reader anBalzac wastes little time giving us background for this story that is shorter than most. It could easily be read in one sitting. I am a slow reader and started it one evening and quickly finished it the next day.
Although most descriptions I see say this is an introduction to Bianchon, it is really the story of the surgeon Desplein. Desplein, an atheist, is observed entering Saint Sulpice. Bianchon cannot believe his eyes, but after several years of wondering why this should happen, he sits with Desplein and listens to his explanation. Balzac's endings tend to be sad with more than a tinge of irony. This story is just plain sad and it pricked my emotions more than he usually does. It is quite good, but I think it is not typical. ...more
A short story requires a very short review/comment. I love Balzac, and if you don't or haven't tried him, this isn't the place to start. If I were to A short story requires a very short review/comment. I love Balzac, and if you don't or haven't tried him, this isn't the place to start. If I were to reading him straight through, I would have been in a better position to remember many of the characters referenced in this one. I did recognize several, but freely admit that the context was mostly lost. Balzac assumes you do remember, or are at least familiar with the characters. He might have done better just telling the story, rather than reminding the reader there are things he should recall.
The other thing to know is that the rich in Paris weren't necessarily as rich as their lifestyles seemed to have them. Many lived on credit entirely. Balzac himself wasn't very careful with money and probably knew the ins and outs of signing notes and having creditors call for payment. Maxime de Trailles was adept at sidestepping payment. And this is the business in The Man of Business. Who wins the game? ...more
I was glad to be revisiting Balzac's Paris. It is in the time of Louis-Phillipe. After the disasters of the revolution of July, which destroyed so manI was glad to be revisiting Balzac's Paris. It is in the time of Louis-Phillipe. After the disasters of the revolution of July, which destroyed so many aristocratic fortunes dependent on the court, Madame la Princesse de Cadignan was clever enough to attribute to political events the total ruin she had caused by her own extravagance. ... This woman, so celebrated under her first name of Duchesse de Maufrigneuse, very wisely decided to live in retirement, and to make herself, if possible, forgotten.
One of the things I like so much about Balzac is that you get a story and you get an ending. But his endings are the beginning of something else which is more likely to be a tragedy. It isn't as if he then writes the next chapter in the lives of these characters that is obviously to become tragic. For me, his stories and novels end with a great sigh; I lose one entire intake of air.
This is is a good entry of the Balzac ouevre. There were many references to characters in other stories, so it would be helpful to have read a good many before reading this one. The Yahoo group that read the entire series, puts this well down the list in the recommended reading order. I admit that it's been awhile since I read Balzac and, though the names were familiar to me, I might have lost some of the context of some of the comments. Balzac had not yet hit his writing stride, I think. I liked this, but it is not his best work....more
A short, quick read even for me. The opening scene seems intended to fill the reader with fear, and Balzac does a pretty good job of it. I feel repetiA short, quick read even for me. The opening scene seems intended to fill the reader with fear, and Balzac does a pretty good job of it. I feel repetitious in saying the ending is filled with irony. This is too short, however, for a long review. It is quite good and worth the 45 minutes I spent. But at 45 minutes I can award only 3-stars....more
This is among Balzac's earliest works, making its first appearance in 1830. It's always an adjustment reading him after a steadier diet of relatively This is among Balzac's earliest works, making its first appearance in 1830. It's always an adjustment reading him after a steadier diet of relatively recent works. In this case, the beginning was a bit clunkier than usual and I don't know if that is because he had not yet hit his stride as an author, if the translation might have been better, or if I just needed to adjust. I did become accustomed to the style - and in short order, fortunately.
The main characters are Corsicans. The story has a Prologue which explains how they left Corsica after a Vendetta and came to Paris 15 years earlier. The story takes place in 1815 just after the Hundred Days when Napoleon came back from Elba. The introduction in my Complete Works edition says
It is believed by many that Balzac was inspired to write La Vendetta by Prosper Mérimée's novel Mateo Falcone, which was serialised by the Revue de Paris in 1829 and also deals with the subject of Corsican vengeance and family honor.
Balzac is better known for his novels. I'm moving to the position that his stories are just as good and don't require the same time investment. I can expect Balzac's endings to be filled with irony and/or pathos. While I tend to cry easily, Balzac doesn't often touch me so, and I did not expect it with this one. I was unexpectedly touched.
Although it took this slow reader a bit longer, most could finish this in an hour or two at most. It does not reach the quality of my favorite Eugénie Grandet, or even the popular Père Goriot which I did not like as much. Still, it is very good. I may be putting my thumb on the scale when I give it 4 stars, but today I think it falls easily in the mid-point of my 4-star ratings.
My reading set in the various periods of the French Revolution came to fruition in this. It is another set in 1793 during the Reign of Terror. The ariMy reading set in the various periods of the French Revolution came to fruition in this. It is another set in 1793 during the Reign of Terror. The aristocracy, rather than going to the guillotine, emigrated. These emigres had their property confiscated. I understood the references to the Chouans and to the Vendeans. I recognized that priests could be imprisoned just for serving Mass.
All of this just to read of the love of a mother for her son and the risks she was willing to take for him. It is a story told only as Balzac could tell it. Still, it is just a very short story, a very strong 3-stars, but too short to become four....more
I forgot how detailed Balzac can be in setting his story. In this rather short, 7-chapter novel, the first 4 chapters each dedicated themselves to oneI forgot how detailed Balzac can be in setting his story. In this rather short, 7-chapter novel, the first 4 chapters each dedicated themselves to one of the four contributing characters. I also don't remember finding any humor in Balzac - though it is very subtle.
The Chevalier de Valois of Alencon was accepted by the highest aristocracy of the province as a genuine Valois; and he distinguished himself, like the rest of his homonyms, by excellent manners, which proved him a man of society. He dined out every day, and played cards every evening. He was thought witty, thanks to his foible for relating a quantity of anecdotes on the reign of Louis XV. and the beginnings of the Revolution. When these tales were heard for the first time, they were held to be well narrated.
and
The keeper and the gardener, witnesses to Mademoiselle Cormon’s excitement, stood aside and awaited her orders. But when, as she was about to leave the room, they stopped her to ask for instructions, for the first time in her life the despotic old maid, who saw to everything at Prebaudet with her own eyes, said, to their stupefaction, “Do what you like.” This from a mistress who carried her administration to the point of counting her fruits, and marking them so as to order their consumption according to the number and condition of each!
So, while this was slow starting, I found myself eating it up once he got to the point. But, despite the very occasional humorous lines, it is the usual sad and ironic Balzac story. I have read about Balzac and I don't know where he found life so disappointing. But he did and it is reflected in his stories. This is not one of his best, but I will never be sorry to have read this author....more
The more I read Balzac, the more fascinating it becomes. A couple of the minor, yet pivotal, characters in this novel are related to the minor, yet piThe more I read Balzac, the more fascinating it becomes. A couple of the minor, yet pivotal, characters in this novel are related to the minor, yet pivotal, characters in his Cesar Birotteau. It is no wonder that Zola, greatly influenced by Balzac, created a family genealogy in writing his series Les Rougon-Macquart.
Maybe many authors give their characters physical characteristics that inform their personalities. I certainly notice it in Balzac. "His hands, which were short and broad, were of the kind that make women say: 'You have the hands of a rascal.' His legs seemed slender for his torso.In that fat and active body an absolutely lawless spirit disported itself, and a thorough experience of the things of life, together with a profound contempt for social convention, lay hidden beneath the apparent indifference of a soldier. And another: His muddy skin, with its sickly tones of green and yellow, expressed the jaundice of his balked ambition, his perpetual disappointments and his hidden wretchedness.
This novel is short, but incorporates all the goodness and cruelty found in many of Balzac's works. Balzac's personal life was taken with a fixation for accumulating wealth - often with schemes for getting rich quick. This novel is filled with scheming, acquisitive characters, willing to do ill to others in order to satisfy their ambitions.
I don't for a minute think this is a book just the random reader should either pick up nor enjoy. However, first published in 1840, this is Balzac nearing the peak of his powers as an author....more
This starts off strongly, just as I might expect with Balzac. While this is in his duet he called "Poor Relations", we learn almost immediately that CThis starts off strongly, just as I might expect with Balzac. While this is in his duet he called "Poor Relations", we learn almost immediately that Cousin Pons did not suffer what you and I might call poverty. He was cash poor, perhaps, but had become a collector of small items of art, and those had appreciated immensely.
The Government sent Sylvain Pons to Rome to make a great musician of himself; and in Rome Sylvain Pons acquired a taste for the antique and works of art. He became an admirable judge of those masterpieces of the brain and hand which are summed up by the useful neologism “bric-a-brac;” and when the child of Euterpe returned to Paris somewhere about the year 1810, it was in the character of a rabid collector, loaded with pictures, statuettes, frames, wood-carving, ivories, enamels, porcelains, and the like. He had sunk the greater part of his patrimony, not so much in the purchases themselves as on the expenses of transit; and every penny inherited from his mother had been spent in the course of a three-years’ travel in Italy after the residence in Rome came to an end. He had seen Venice, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Naples leisurely, as he wished to see them, as a dreamer of dreams, and a philosopher; careless of the future, for an artist looks to his talent for support as the fille de joie counts upon her beauty.
Despite the interest in the early going, this descended into somewhat of a slog, before returning to a more interesting novel. I had a hard time staying with it for a bit and actually stopped to read a couple of mysteries. This ended up being exactly the right strategy. Was it truly a slog or was I just not in the right frame of mind for Balzac? In any case, I seemed to have stopped in just the right place, for when I came back to it, I found it interesting again.
I often expect Balzac to have a somewhat surprising ending and one with a decided bit of irony. I cannot imagine what he was thinking here, because he foretold where we could expect this to go. One might easily expect skulduggery with an older single man who is discovered to have accumulated a fortune in art. We are not surprised, then, when conspiracies abound. There are conflicting conspiracies - who will win out? There was one small piece that I did not anticipate but Balzac wraps things up so quickly that we are not allowed to feel the full thrust of the irony.
This is just a high 3-stars for me. I had certainly hoped for more.
This novella was written mid-career. It appears among his "Scenes from Private Life." Two men, friends for life, fall in love with the same woman. It This novella was written mid-career. It appears among his "Scenes from Private Life." Two men, friends for life, fall in love with the same woman. It is typical Balzacian, an ending of sadness and irony.
Having read the Zweig biography earlier this month, I could picture him at his desk, writing in the middle of the night. I wondered how much editing he did on this after it had been typeset, as he did with all of his works, over and over. My wondering was not because I thought it needed more editing, but because it is good, so that I wondered how much of the first draft made it to the final. I suspect it is a question I'll have for awhile. ...more
The Muse of the Department involves a young woman who is married to a man 30 years her senior, a rather smallish and once-sickly man, miserly and wantThe Muse of the Department involves a young woman who is married to a man 30 years her senior, a rather smallish and once-sickly man, miserly and wanting of an heir. After five years of marriage, there is no heir in sight, and, though in the early days of the marriage he was generous, Monsieur de la Baudraye becomes ever more miserly.
To Dinah:
"Do not confound hatred and vengeance," said the Abbe. "They are two different sentiments. One is the instinct of small minds; the other is the outcome of law which great souls obey. God is avenged, but He does not hate. Hatred is a vice of narrow souls; they feed it with all their meanness, and make it a pretext for sordid tyranny. ..."
One of the characters is a writer and a journalist, and I was amused to find Balzac commenting on the state of literature.
Formerly all that was expected of a romance was that it should be interesting. As to style, no one cared for that, not even the author; as to ideas -- zero; as to local color -- non est. By degrees the reader has demanded style, interest, pathos, and complete information; he insists on the five literary senses - Invention, Style, Thought, Learning, and Feeling.
I have read most of the major Balzac titles. I guess it should be no surprise that these lesser titles are not quite as good. This is one I'll remember. It probably sits right on the border between 3 and 4 stars, but I'm feeling generous today....more
Elizabeth (Alaska)
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