Sarrasine by Honoré de Balzac is a captivating and thought-provoking novella that delves deep into the themes of art, passion, and identity. The story follows the young sculptor Sarrasine as he becomes enamored with the mysterious opera singer La Zambinella, only to uncover a shocking secret about her true identity.

Balzac's prose is elegant and richly detailed, drawing readers into the lavish world of 19th-century Parisian society. The characters are complex and multifaceted, with Sarrasine's obsession with La Zambinella driving him to the brink of insanity.

The novella explores the power dynamics between men and women, as well as the blurred lines between reality and illusion. Balzac expertly weaves together themes of love, desire, and betrayal, leaving readers questioning the nature of art and the authenticity of human relationships.

Overall, Sarrasine is a compelling read that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the final page. Balzac's masterful storytelling and keen insights make this novella a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

Book Description:

Published by Honoré de Balzac in the tempestuous year of 1830, the tale follows the undulating pathways of Sarrasine the sculptor’s shocking journey to his coming of age. As one of the “fathers of realism” Balzac painted with his words a vivid portrait of life in the swirling salons of Europe at the end of the Bourbon monarchy, and we follow Sarrasine from France to Italy in search of both his métier and his muse.
However it is also the story of La Zambinella, an Italian singer with whom Sarrasine falls madly and passionately in love. But that passion holds a secret which Sarrasine spies too late.