This is the last book in Balzac's "Comédie Humaine" series. Although it is not as "flashy" as some of the other works in the series, it still displays Balzac's incredible ability to describe his characters both physically and emotionally, and the world they inhabit. His descriptions are like quick pencil sketches; with a few short, well chosen strokes a distinct and indelible image is created.

This book centers around a disillusioned young man who has run out of his approved options. Though he has some inherited money, it will run out if he doesn't reduce expenses and find a way to supplement it. He has given up the thought of marriage and a family because he is no longer considered a good prospect. He eventually chooses to devote his life to charitable works. How he comes to this choice, the characters who influence him to do so and his first efforts in his new vocation are the core of this story. What most interests me about this story is that the main character does not go off and spiral down to some ignoble end, but decides to help those in great need.

The picture of disillusioned youth, with limited financial resources has resonance for today. It is hard not to draw parallels with the Class of 2008; saddled with loans, confronted with a recession, and living in a culture that puts a tremendous amount of emphasis on material possessions. It is a good read. Interesting and thought provoking and as with all of Balzac's work there is that thread. . . we are all human and in that we are all fundamentally the same. . . and the Gods must be laughing