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PRO AND CON
Monsieur de Manerville, the father, was a worthy Norman gentleman, well known to the Marechael de Richelieu, who married him to one of the richest heiresses of Bordeaux in the days when the old duke reigned in Guienne as governor. The Norman then sold the estate he owned in Bessin, and became a Gascon, allured by the beauty of the chateau de Lanstrac, a delightful residence owned by his wife. During the last days of the reign of Louis XV., he … More >>



My first Honore de Balzac read, fascinating tale in flamboyant prose rings true in 2009 as it did three hundred years ago. Tale of a mediocre student whose family money allows him a life of indolence and excess. I loved the way he and his fiance offered studied indifference during the financial negotiations of the marriage. His mother-in-law’s avarice and need to control and the groom’s idiocy are so perfect and so very sad. I wanted the story to go on, a sequel perhaps. I shall read more of de Balzac and perhaps will find one.
Rating: 4 / 5