エピソード

  • Duchess of Langeais-Honoré de Balzac
    2026/08/02
    "Duchess of Langeais" by Honoré de Balzac delves into the complexities of love, desire, and societal expectations in 19th-century France. The story explores the intricate dynamics between the titular duchess and her suitor, highlighting the tensions between passion and propriety. This timeless tale resonates today as it reflects the enduring struggles of romantic relationships and the societal pressures that often complicate them. Balzac's keen observations of human nature and the intricate dance of courtship make this audiobook a compelling listen for anyone interested in the nuances of love and the impact of social conventions on personal happiness.
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    7 時間 14 分
  • Marriage Contract - Honore de Balzac
    2026/06/06
    Balzac’s novel “The Marriage Contract” (1835) is part of his “Scenes of Private Life,” which is one section of “The Human Comedy,” his great fiction series. A wealthy gentleman wishes to marry a beautiful heiress, whose mother is a Spanish Creole. (In this context, “Creole” refers to a person who is genetically European, but born in a New World colony.) As was common for wealthy families of that time, notaries are hired to negotiate a prenuptial agreement. The details of 19th-century financial arrangements may well seem obscure for modern readers. What remains true throughout time, however, is Balzac’s unsparing portrait of humanity, in all its romantic illusions and its naked avarice, its capacity for naïve innocence and for scheming treachery. - Summary by Bruce Pirie
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    6 時間 17 分