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lakmus's review
3.0
Better than I expected. Balzac is brilliant at portraying emotions; even if in a rather prolonged fashion. The random political and social commentary sprinkled about the stories doesn't always seem entirely relevant (perhaps I need more historical education to be able to see its importance), but I found it interesting in itself.
And the actual stories are rather exciting. They all twist and turn in the most unexpected places, but then they also sag, usually in the beginning, while the author tries to frame the bigger story in some salon and whatnot.
Also, I still don't understand why Montriveaus visiting the duchess late at night, alone, was ok, but her going to his place was suddenly a compromise and a scandal. Similarly, apparently heartfelt conversation and all the hand-kissing is somehow not infidelity and is also ok. Them 19th century people are so weird.
And the actual stories are rather exciting. They all twist and turn in the most unexpected places, but then they also sag, usually in the beginning, while the author tries to frame the bigger story in some salon and whatnot.
Also, I still don't understand why Montriveaus visiting the duchess late at night, alone, was ok, but her going to his place was suddenly a compromise and a scandal. Similarly, apparently heartfelt conversation and all the hand-kissing is somehow not infidelity and is also ok. Them 19th century people are so weird.
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