Balzac: Old Goriot

Landmarks of World Literature

by David Bellos

This up-to-date account of the novel's composition, structure, and achievement provides readers with the literary and historical knowledge needed to make sense of the text. Professor Bellos explains how Balzac challenged prevailing nineteenth-century expectations of what novels should be like.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

116 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

David Bellos is the director of the Program in Translation and Intercultural Communication at Princeton University, where he is also a professor of French and comparative literature. He has won many awards for his translations of Georges Perec, Ismail Kadare, and others, including the Man Booker International Translator’s Award. He also received the Prix Goncourt for George Perec: A Life in Words.

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't help but draw comparisons between Balzac and Proust (disclaimer: I have only read one book by each). Balzac's writing style is high energy and informal -- one almost feels like she is in conversation with a young man who knows all the ins and outs of Paris living -- where Proust is plodding and formal. Balzac provides a feel for the Parisian milieu he writes about, and even though he alludes to a great many things that only Parisians at that time would know first-hand, he is quick with explanations so there is no need to run for a reference book or endnotes to understand what or where he is talking about. What I loved most about this book is that this is one of the VERY few that kept me guessing until almost the end. The protagonist goes back and forth, mentally, between whether he should stick to the so-called "virtuous path" or throw caution to the wind and go for broke. I won't give it away because I think that pull is what holds interest right through the very last line of the book which provides the ultimate answer on his final decision.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had an absolute blast re-reading this one - a gift from friend Terri. Old Goriot is King Lear with the Faust myth thrown in along with some biting social commentary. Balzac's novel is peopled with social climbers, opportunists and frauds who exhibit Machiavellian ruthlessness. This novel isn't devoid of humor, however. Far from it! One particular character, the demonic Vautrin, who can right-size his victim via a Dennis Miller-like rant with laugh out loud results. All together a very entertaining read (thanks to Balzac I've been able to add some pretty witty putdowns to my repertoire).

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is such a thing as giving too much.

[Kathy Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original Giving Tree. I've begun to wonder how these classics would read if rewritten in a simple modern American style.

[Mariana Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to date. Timeless. Describes youth to perfection

[Wendy Van monsjou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prose is so beautiful at times that previous readers underlined and wrote quotes on the back cover.

[James McLaughlin]

Very interesting read. The characters are fascinating. Very memorable.

[Ivelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Една от малкото книги, които съм чела за училище, и която реално ми хареса.