005 - 'When after making an excellent meal'

Dive straight into a captivating tale that pulls no punches. In this masterful satire, Balzac presents a vivid portrayal of Parisian society, reminiscent of Dantes Inferno, though the anticipation for the dramas onset might test your patience. Our enigmatic hero, Henri de Marsay, a product of a debauched Regency milord, navigates the cynical world of libertinism with unmatched charm. His target? The mesmerizing Paquita Valdes, whose golden eyes hold secrets of their own. But lurking in the shadows is a mysterious third figure, complicating their passionate entanglement. This novels shocking revelations make it a daring choice that Lady Bracknell would surely deem scandalous. (Summary by Martin Geeson)