Iluzii pierdute Vol. 2

Lucien Chardon seeks fame in Paris but lacks money and social skill. He has left Angoulême with Madame de Bargeton. Yet his blunders cost him her love and respect. He cannot get his work into print. Nor will he make the sacrifices that true art demands.

Lucien turns to a life of luxury among journalists and actresses. He funds it through loans from his old friend, David Séchard. David has married Ève, Lucien’s sister, and stayed in Angoulême. The actress Coralie loves Lucien and believes in him. But her faith cannot halt his decline.

Meanwhile, David’s rivals forge his signature on a credit document for Lucien. Their scheme sends David to jail. After Coralie dies, Lucien returns home broke, scorned and full of grief. Guilt over David’s fate drives him to seek help. A pact with a mysterious Spanish abbot brings money for David’s release. David finds peace with his wife in an honest country life. Lucien returns to Paris, bound by his dark bargain.

This second volume of Honore de Balzac’s novel suits readers of classic fiction. It contrasts the lure of fame with loyalty, love and honest work. The edition belongs to the Mari clasici ai literaturii series.