Poor Relations by Honoré de Balzac
"Poor Relations" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the mid-19th century that delves into themes of familial relationships, jealousy, and societal standing. The narrative centers on Cousin Betty, also known as Lisbeth Fischer, who harbors a deep-seated jealousy towards her more beautiful cousin, Adeline Hulot. The story explores the complexity of their intertwined lives, showcasing the struggles and resentments that arise from social disparities and family dynamics. At the
start of "Poor Relations," we are introduced to a cast of characters navigating their lives amid the contrasts of wealth and poverty in Parisian society. The plot unfolds with scenes involving Baron Hulot d'Ervy and his wife, Adeline, whose marriage is marred by the Baron’s infidelities, particularly with a singer named Josepha. Lisbeth Fischer, Adeline's cousin, enters the scene as a resentful outsider, feeling overshadowed by Adeline’s beauty and status, while struggling against her own obscurity. As family tensions surface, opportunity and betrayal loom, establishing the groundwork for the unfolding drama of their relationships. The opening paints a vivid portrait of Parisian society in the 1800s while foreshadowing the conflict that will deepen between these complex characters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Upload it on the Amazon site your Kindle is registered with: amazon.com/sendtokindle for the US, amazon.co.uk/sendtokindle for the UK etc.
- It appears on your Kindle and in the Kindle app
Kobo, Nook etc. → Transfer via USB
- Download the EPUB3 file on your computer
- Connect your e-reader by USB and tap "Connect" on its screen
- Drag the file onto the e-reader drive
Phone, Tablet or Computer → Online or Reading App
Easiest: read online in your browser. Nothing to install.
Or use a reading app:
- Find and install one you like, for example Apple Books, ReadEra or Thorium Reader
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Open it in the app
More help: iPhone / iPad · Android · Computer
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Author | Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850 |
|---|---|
| Translator | Marriage, Ellen, 1865-1946 |
| Translator | Waring, James |
| Title | Poor Relations |
| Contents | Cousin Betty -- Cousin Pons. |
| Credits | Produced by Dagny, and John Bickers, |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 78.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese |
| Subject | Paris (France) -- Fiction |
| Subject | France -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 12900 |
| ISBN (HTML) | 979-8-238-12900-6 |
| Release Date | Jul 13, 2004 |
| Last Update | Oct 28, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 760 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!