This classic novel was as depressing as it was fascinating. To be fair, I was warned.

Sorrows loom up in great and solemn proportions on account of the accumulated mass of vices and virtues of which they are composed; at the sight of them, even egotism and self-interest stop to pity, but the impression received is as transient as that of a luscious fruit that is greedily devoured. The chariot of civilization, . . . Soon grinds [hearts] to powder and continues its triumphant progress. (4)

The story centres on a pitiable boarding house in Paris where a number of characters live out their lives, ground down by the caste system of early nineteenth century Parisian culture. The book’s namesake, Père Goriot, is a fixture in the boarding house—a mysterious recluse who is visited by young women.

As most critics mention, this is an early example of realist literature. Balzac goes to great pains to describe his situations in minute detail. This slows the pace and allows the reader to muse over the details of the characters’ lives.

From my perspective, Père Goriot is ultimately a tragic tale of vanity and pride that drives love and community into the ground. Although written two centuries ago, the themes resonate with our world today.

Balzac, Honoré de. Père Goriot. 1835. Franklin Library, 1980.