Lost Illusions

«Lost Illusions» tells the story of a young poet Lucien de Rubempre from Angouleme, desperately trying to make a name for himself in Paris in the literary and journalistic field. He is poor, naive, but very ambitious. Unable to make a name for himself in his shabby provincial town, he falls under the patronage of a wealthy married woman, Louise de Bargyton, and hopes to pave his way into high society. But reputation is more important for Madame de Bargyton, she abandons him, and the people of the elite do not want to let him into their circle. It is then that Lucien realizes that talent is worth nothing compared to money, intrigues, and lack of principles. By telling us about Lucien's journey, Balzac brilliantly depicts a realistic and satirical portrait of provincial and Parisian morals, aristocratic life. This extraordinary novel about unfulfilled ambitions, deceived hopes, is a reflection on time and society, on loss and disappointment.