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21_ana's review against another edition
5.0
This book definitely deserves 5 stars. I had to read it for university and initially I was afraid I wouldn't finish it on time. The professor said that the reading would be smooth and it was indeed. There are some tecnichal parts which might slow the reading, but that's what makes it more interesting and complete. The narrator not only shares a deep insight into the carachters, but he also gives thourough descriptions about different knowledge spheres, giving the impression of passages taken from an encyclopedia.
What I enjoyed the most about this book were the characters, which are described in-depth and with a life of their own. By the end of the story I found myself with a strong opinion on each one of them: some I deeply despised, others I rooted for and one in particular got on my nerves because of his thoughtless and rash behaviour. I'm talking about Lucien, the central character. Hopeful, ambitious and eager to obtain literary glory, Lucien arrives for the first time in Paris, where it seems that every dream can become reality. However, his path takes a different turn and by the end of the story his hopes are shattered and his mindless actions have repercussions on the ones that love him the most. A bitter ending, but also one that teaches something about life.
This brief summery doesn't do justice to the book, because there is more than this. So, I heartily suggest to anyone to read it and not to be intimidated by its length. I know for sure that someday in the future I won't mind reading it again.
What I enjoyed the most about this book were the characters, which are described in-depth and with a life of their own. By the end of the story I found myself with a strong opinion on each one of them: some I deeply despised, others I rooted for and one in particular got on my nerves because of his thoughtless and rash behaviour. I'm talking about Lucien, the central character. Hopeful, ambitious and eager to obtain literary glory, Lucien arrives for the first time in Paris, where it seems that every dream can become reality. However, his path takes a different turn and by the end of the story his hopes are shattered and his mindless actions have repercussions on the ones that love him the most. A bitter ending, but also one that teaches something about life.
This brief summery doesn't do justice to the book, because there is more than this. So, I heartily suggest to anyone to read it and not to be intimidated by its length. I know for sure that someday in the future I won't mind reading it again.
rindala's review against another edition
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hakkun1's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
deedee63's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
moncoinlecture's review against another edition
4.0
Le moins que l'on puisse dire, c'est que ce roman m'a fait de l'effet... et m'a mise en rage à de multiples occasions! Je devenais tellement fâchée après tous ces personnages, leur naïveté pour certains, leur perversité et leur insouciance pour d'autres que je devais arrêter de le lire... ou de l'écouter!
Bref, nos deux personnages princiaux ne l'auront pas facile dans leurs milieux respectifs... et maintenant, je veux lire Splendeurs et misères pour voir ce qui va arriver à ce Lucien qui ne voit pas plus loin que le bout de son nez!
Bref, nos deux personnages princiaux ne l'auront pas facile dans leurs milieux respectifs... et maintenant, je veux lire Splendeurs et misères pour voir ce qui va arriver à ce Lucien qui ne voit pas plus loin que le bout de son nez!
dukegregory's review against another edition
5.0
Many illusions have been lost. Too much to talk about. Probably my favorite novel on mass media and the relationship between art and capital. So digressive, encyclopedic, cynical, compassionate, perceptive, verbose, and just tons of fun. Reading it over the past month has been a consistent joy. I don't know how to describe the tempo of Balzac's prose and plotting, plodding yet swift. The ending is so wild. Everything ends and agonizes and then you find out what happens to everyone years into the future for a page, like a biopic fading to black. Also, may or may not actually end on a cliffhanger. Made me laugh.
pjv1013's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
Balzac é um deus. Este romance é brilhante na sua construção e no retrato que faz de um espaço-tempo da França da primeira metade do século XIX. Um livro sobre o livros e sobre a literatura.
mirilynmonroe's review against another edition
Leggo e non me ne frega nulla di quello che leggo, molto semplicemente.
mchl_btt's review against another edition
4.0
Allora io forse non ho capito il fascino di Lucien perché a una certa mi sembrava che lo portassero su un palmo di mano senza nessun merito se non l’essere un bel bagai. Detto questo, i personaggi sono una pletora di stronzi, al netto di 3. Piuttosto illuminato nella descrizione delle invidie, avidità e debolezze dell’uomo.
elysehdez19's review against another edition
4.0
Los autores escriben (en su gran mayoría para vender) es una de las reflexiones que me ha dejado este libro. Además de las innumerables falacias y actos de corrupción a los que algunos periodistas son capaces de hacer. Pero me quedo principalmente con la primera frase de este texto. Que es lo que se está presentando en nuestro siglo XXI (la novela fue escrita en el siglo XIX) y es que las editoriales buscan lo que venda así tenga mala calidad, a lo de verdad talentoso. No tengo mucho que decir de este libro. Me gustó, es lo primero que leo de Balzac y espero que no sea lo último, y aunque es una novela muy descriptiva no la sentí pesada.