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abistic's review against another edition
I am really surprised how much I enjoyed reading it
sloatsj's review against another edition
2.0
Finally finished this. I think if you're interested in the early 1800s in France, particularly its publishing, printing and newspaper businesses, politics, and literary world, this is the book for you.
As for me, I could hardly keep track of all the evil characters, and there were many nasty, underhanded people. I found it a bit exasperating, but I gave up on it once before, so I persevered.
As for me, I could hardly keep track of all the evil characters, and there were many nasty, underhanded people. I found it a bit exasperating, but I gave up on it once before, so I persevered.
karina_loves_cats's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. However, I hated Lucien so much that every time he did something that hurt his family more or every stupid mistake he made, it just made me scream and want to throw my book out the window because Lucien was a selfish child. I felt so bad for David, but was satisfied in the end. Great book!
21ana'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.
ccoe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
saralynnburnett's review against another edition
5.0
Endlessly fascinating, but what a painful experience it is to read this book. It epitomises Balzac's greatest themes: the provincial trying to make good in Paris, the wreckage in the wake of unbridled ambition, and the complexity and brutality of machinations that few come to understand.