An Historical Mystery (The Gondreville Mystery)

Name: An Historical Mystery (The Gondreville Mystery)
Author: Honoré de Balzac

By Honoré de Balzac

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Crime, Thrillers & Mystery French Literature

About This Book

The narrative unfolds on a provincial estate during the early Consulate, where a violent incident provokes local suspicion, rivalries, and betrayals. A circle of characters—ambitious tenants, a suspicious bailiff, estate officials, and servants—become entangled in plots, informers, and fabricated accusations. Part I develops the rural intrigues and a relinquished crime; Part II follows police investigations, arrests and a courtroom trial set against the Code of Brumaire and the presence of the Emperor’s military influence. Through procedural detail and social observation the story traces how private resentments, political authority, and legal procedures converge to reveal the mystery’s motives and outcome.

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.