Balzac Collection - Volume 7: A New Translation

The Balzac Collection - Volume 7 presents three compelling narratives from Honoré de Balzac's La Comédie humaine, each exploring the complexities of human emotion, societal expectations, and personal ambition in 19th-century France.

In Pierrette, Balzac tells the poignant story of Pierrette Lorrain, a young orphan sent to live with her wealthy cousins, the Rogrons, in the provincial town of Provins. Initially welcomed, Pierrette soon becomes a victim of her relatives' selfishness and the town's political intrigues. Her suffering serves as a critique of the cruelty and hypocrisy prevalent in provincial society.

The Muse of the Department follows Dinah de la Baudraye, an intelligent and ambitious woman trapped in a stifling marriage in the provincial town of Sancerre. Yearning for a more fulfilling life, Dinah becomes involved with a Parisian journalist, leading to personal and social turmoil. Balzac explores themes of female ambition, the constraints of societal norms, and the pursuit of personal freedom.

In Facino Cane, the narrator recounts his encounter with a blind Venetian musician in Paris, who shares a tale of lost love, hidden treasure, and a fall from nobility. This short story combines elements of adventure and introspection, highlighting Balzac's interest in the hidden depths of seemingly ordinary individuals.

Together, these works showcase Balzac's mastery in portraying the multifaceted nature of human relationships and the societal structures that influence them. The Balzac Collection - Volume 7 offers readers a rich tapestry of narratives that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.