Long-winded, as typical of XIXth century authors, but entertaining enough. This edition is a 100 page introductory volume with just the two works.
The first story, a second-hand account of a friend’s trip to Java, was a bit over the top in some of the exaggerations. Also, a point off for desensitized depiction of slavery.
The second story takes a while to pick up, but once it does the drama is compelling. The woes of bad parenting.
My first reading by Balzac, so I can't compare to his other works.