Cousin Bette
Cousin Bette by Honoré de Balzac, published by Knopf in 1998, is a novel that delves into the life of the malevolent Cousin Bette and her intricate schemes for revenge against her wealthy relatives. Written in 1846, this edition spans 437 pages and is presented in English. The narrative captures Bette’s insidious deceit as it unravels the lives of Baron Hulot, an obsessive womanizer, and his virtuous wife, Adeline, showcasing Balzac’s sharp wit and vivid storytelling.
Readers will find a richly detailed exploration of themes such as revenge and social dynamics within a historical context. Balzac’s ability to weave verbal comedy into the fabric of his characters’ lives creates a world that feels both real and engaging. This edition offers a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations, making it a significant work in the realm of literary fiction and classics.
Official synopsis Publisher
(Book Jacket Status: Jacketed)
Written in 1846 at the height of Balzac’s powers, this novel portrays the stunningly malevolent Cousin Bette and her intricate plans for revenge against the wealthy relatives on whom she depends and whose condescension she bitterly resents. As Bette’s insidious deceit relentlessly unravels the lives of the obsessive womanizer Baron Hulot and his angelic wife, Adeline, Balzac displays a sense of verbal comedy as acute as Dickens’s and creates a world that is vivid and densely real. Henry James considered him the greatest of all novelists; in Cousin Bette Balzac gives ample proof of his genius.
Fox Searchlight’s film adaptation, starring Jessica Lange and Elizabeth Shue, will be in theaters in June 1998.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Cousin Bette” about?
Who is the author of “Cousin Bette”?
When was “Cousin Bette” published?
What is the ISBN for “Cousin Bette”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
