Eugénie Grandet

De: Honoré de Balzac

Narrado por: Jonathan Fried

Hailed as the father of the naturalist novel, French author and playwright Honoré de Balzac left a legacy of treasured literary works that include Père Goriot and Cousin Bette. The daughter of a wealthy but miserly man, Eugénie Grandet falls in love with her penniless cousin, Charles. The two plan to marry, but at the behest of her father, Charles must first go overseas to make his fortune. Returning years later, Charles calls off the engagement, leaving Eugénie heartbroken and vengeful.©2013 Honore de Balzac (P)2013 Recorded Books

A very pleasant book

The characters plain but interesting and, needless to say masterly drafted.
I liked "the cospiracy of women" very much.
The different women for age and upbringing standing up to someone they loved, fear or both using the guild and the small resources at their disposal.
The story is pretty linear and mercifully unincumbered by moral considerations which adds to its charm.

A literary classic

Greed and ambition shape the lives of a family in nineteenth century France. Narrated skillfully.

Masterpiece

One of the best Balzac novels. World of emotions and thoughts underneath the quiet life of French province. The essence of life in bourgeoisie society.

One way character development

I’d read this 50 years ago and hadn’t remembered the relentlessly one-dimensional characters. I was surprised at the predictable greediness of some and the uncomprehending innocence of others (namely, Eugenie).

Balzac can’t help being Balzac

Excellent performance. I’ve always enjoyed Balzac’s writing style. BUT there some moments of shocking soapbox bigotry which are enough for most modern listeners to toss this one aside. In that respect, he’s not unlike Mark Twain or Sir Walter Scott. Those were his times, but that doesn’t make it alright IMO. Be advised. Still, there’s entertaining insight into French small town lives in the early 1800’s.