The Deserted Woman exemplifies Honoré de Balzac’s extraordinary literary ability that has influenced esteemed authors such as Henry James and Charles Dickens. With intricate prose and unparalleled compassion, Honoré de Balzac explores the too-common predicament of women trapped in unhappy relationships. The Deserted Woman tells the emotional tale of the pressure society put on women and men to enter marriages that prioritized social and financial compatibility over a real, mutual, love connection. Though it does not exist to such an extent in Western society, Balzac’s The Deserted Woman invites readers to consider how this spirit of unhealthy marriages is still alive in modern relationships. Balzac dedicated much of his career to the pursuit of capturing all aspects of society with his realist lens, creating celebrated work that influences the perspective of society.
This edition of The Deserted Woman by Honoré de Balzac features a striking new cover design and is reprinted in a modern, easy-to-read font, creating an approachable reading experience for a contemporary audience.
Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright. Balzac made attempts at many professions, including publishing, business, politics, and law, before he found his best fit as a writer. He soon became known for his legendary writing habits, as he wrote every day, but kept a nearly nocturnal schedule to comply with his odd writing practices. Because of his attention to detail and unfiltered representation of reality, Balzac is regarded as the founder of realism within the European literary canon.