A Second Home

Name: A Second Home
Author: Honoré de Balzac

By Honoré de Balzac

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French Literature Novels

About This Book

An elderly mother and her daughter endure cramped, damp rooms in an old Paris street while the daughter supports them with delicate embroidery; the narrative sketches their frugal domestic routines, the tiny comforts they cultivate, and how passersby and potential suitors appraise the girl’s prospects. Economic precariousness and the hope for outside assistance shape everyday choices. When a confession to a priest reveals the name of a benefactor, social repercussions follow, and the mother dies with an ambiguous, knowing expression.

About the Author

Honoré de Balzac

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright, renowned for his detailed and vivid portrayal of society in the early 19th century. His monumental work, "La Comédie Humaine," encompasses a vast array of characters and stories that explore the complexities of human nature and social dynamics. Balzac's keen observations of the bourgeoisie and the intricacies of Parisian life are evident in notable titles such as "A Daughter of Eve" and "A Distinguished Provincial at Paris." His writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and a deep psychological insight, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern literature.