The Thirteen
Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley and Ellen Marriage
- 348 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Balzac's work offers a detailed portrayal of post-Napoleonic French society through his extensive sequence, La Comédie humaine. His commitment to realism is evident in his complex characters, who embody moral ambiguity and depth. Even non-human elements, such as the city of Paris, are richly characterized, enhancing the narrative. His influence extends to numerous prominent writers and filmmakers, marking him as a pivotal figure in European literature. Balzac’s keen observations and unvarnished societal reflections contribute to his lasting literary legacy.

