Eugenie Grandet

Summary

Eugenie Grandet is a novel by Honoré de Balzac, part of the series «La Comédie Humaine». The main character, Eugenie, lives in the modest town of Saumur with her aging parents. Eugenie's father, Monsieur Grandet, is notorious for his stinginess despite his vast wealth. The only bright spot in Eugenie's dull life is her cousin Charles, who arrives in Saumur after the death of his father, who was declared bankrupt. Unexpectedly, Eugenie falls in love with Charles, but their feelings are tested by circumstances. Charles sets off to conquer new lands in pursuit of wealth, while Eugenie remains under the pressure of her father's greed and strictness. Over the years, her father dies, leaving her a vast inheritance. However, by then, Eugenie has long lost hope for happiness with Charles and has resigned herself to her fate. The novel immerses readers in the atmosphere of early 19th-century provincial France, exploring themes of family values, greed, love, and disappointment.