Eugenie Grandet

"Eugenie Grandet" by Honoré de Balzac is a 19th-century novel that considers themes of wealth, greed, and family obligations in a small French town. It follows Monsieur Grandet, a rich but stingy wine-maker, and his daughter, Eugenie, whose life is controlled by her father's extreme desire for wealth. The story starts by describing the dull life in Saumur, showing how it differed from its rich history. Monsieur Grandet is shown as a former barrel maker who has become very rich through clever farming investments. His life is very strict, and he dislikes spending money, which affects how he treats his wife and daughter. The early parts of the story set the scene for a tale full of social issues and goals, as different families from the area compete to marry Eugenie because of her father's money. The arrival of Eugenie's cousin, Charles, will make their lives and relationships even more challenging.