Lost Illusions

As a one-off read (especially in the year 2024), Honore de Balzac's Lost Illusions feels a bit long-winded for what it is. It certainly offers a detailed look into French life in the 1800s, showcasing a variety of classes and exploring the spectrum within virtues, naivety, and greed of humanity. But did it really need to take 630 pages to do so? 

I did find myself engaged in Lucien's debut and struggles in Paris, but lost interest after a while of so many repeated acts of selfishness. The pages after pages detailing the inner workings of the publishing industry, too, were maybe groundbreaking at the time (?), but I could have done with a briefer summation. I got the sense that it was a personal topic for the author, which sort of made me excited at times, but it ended at that.

I found it odd, too, that the story completely switches focus during the end and zeroes in only on Eve and David. I did care for them as characters, but feel that it would have been more balanced to read of their goings-on at the same time as during Lucien's dandy rampage. The ending certainly felt flat, with the two ending up just fine after all the focus that was put on the struggles that befell them. Is it just to point out that Lucien is a POS leech of a human? But then again Lucien isn't even mentioned at all in the final epilogue-ish roundup at the end???? He's just...gone now, taken by a Spanish priest? Weird.

All that said, my copy of the novel worked very hard to detail the impact that Balzac had on literature as a whole. The fact that he developed the same set of characters throughout many works written during his career, and writing stories that revealed true depictions of societal issues and human nature is certainly interesting and something to applaud. I'm sure it shaped a lot of the novels I love today, and also gives people in the future (me) an honest look into "regular" life 200~ years ago. 

The Once and Future King

 The Once and Future King by T.H. White is, simply put, a masterpiece. It's everything in one—whimsical, adventurous, humorous, adorable, playful, thoughtful, emotional, intelligent, and above all, kind. Nearly every single character that White introduces has a depth and lovability to them that's impossible to avoid becoming attached to, and the level at which he can create dimensionality and complexity to each one so that they feel like true flesh & blood is so impressive. 

Though based on the classic legend, you don't need to have any prior context about the King Arthur stories in order to enjoy this book to its fullest. At times full of jest, and at others, deeply serious, White's writing is always self-aware and accessibly engaging. Part I consists of an episode of the carefree and formative years of youth, the middle sections add introduction and context to new characters and relationships formed mid-life, with the final section ending with a wistful reflection back on all that has passed. 

At the finale, looking back at where the story started, you (or, at least I) really realize what a true saga you've a part of, and it feels like such a privilege to have been able to witness not only Arthur's whole life but the journeys of those around him. You come away hoping old Wart will be protected at all costs—not only physically, but emotionally...and you realize that the story wasn't really only one about a king and his round table, but one of humanity itself.