Gobseck

Name: Gobseck
Author: Honoré de Balzac

By Honoré de Balzac

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French Literature Novels

About This Book

A Paris attorney recounts the rise and practices of a shrewd moneylender whose calculations and secrecy govern the fates of several household and social clients. Through episodes of loans, inheritances, romantic entanglements, and legal interventions, the narrative traces how obsession with money warps personal relations, exposes social hypocrisy, and dictates moral choices. The usurer's stingy principles and final dispositions prompt reflection on legacy, conscience, and the corrosive power of avarice within a hierarchical society, while the teller's involvement underscores the blurred line between legal propriety and intimate loyalty.

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.