Gambara

"Gambara" by Honoré de Balzac is a story set in early 19th century Paris, about Count Andrea Marcosini, a Milanese man living away from home, who finds himself drawn into the lives of Paolo Gambara, a poor musician, and his wife, Marianna. The story jumps into action with Count Andrea in the busy Palais-Royal during New Year's. He's immediately interested in Marianna, who is struggling because her husband's music obsession has left them broke. As the story goes on, Gambara is shown as a composer who used to have a lot of promise but is now lost in dreams about his music, which he thinks will save him and his wife. Andrea is caught between his feelings for Marianna and his respect for her loyalty to Gambara. The story looks at tough questions about love, giving up things for others, and chasing after artistic greatness even when things are hard.