Study of a Woman

You know that feeling when you have just sent a text or an email to the wrong person? Well, in the 19th century the equivalent was a wrongly-directed letter - and there is no 'delete' button for pen and paper. The faux pas happens after Eugene de Rastignac briefly meets married society woman Madame de Listomere at a soiree. The following day, Rastignac writes a love letter to his sweetheart - but accidentally sends it to Mme Listomere! Beneath the surface, souls are searched. Was it really an accident or was it subconscious desire? Was Mme Listomere actually pleased to receive the letter? Balzac skillfully shows the strong emotional currents that pull beneath the calm surface of society. Fans of Jane Austen's novels, including 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' will love this.