Gaudissart II   By: Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850)

In Honoré de Balzac's Gaudissart II, readers are transported to the captivating world of the renowned French salesman, Jean-François Gaudissart. As the sequel to the earlier work, Gaudissart the Great, this novel delves deeper into the complexities of Gaudissart's character as he navigates the intricacies of his profession and the challenges of love.

The narrative follows our charismatic protagonist as he embarks on a business trip to a small town in the heart of France. With his extroverted nature and gift of the gab, Gaudissart quickly establishes himself as the life of the town, captivating both the locals and his fellow salesmen. Through his vibrant personality and persuasive skills, he manages to sell his wares with great success, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encounters.

However, beyond his professional aspirations lies a personal struggle. Balzac expertly weaves a romantic subplot into the story, as Gaudissart finds himself torn between two women – the elegant and sophisticated Céleste, and the modest and earnest Fanny. The author brilliantly depicts the dynamics of love, exploring the desires, sacrifices, and dilemmas faced by those caught in the throes of passion.

Gaudissart's character development is a highlight of the novel, as Balzac skillfully portrays the inner conflicts within the protagonist's journey. Gaudissart's larger-than-life persona is deftly juxtaposed with his vulnerability, creating a multidimensional character that readers can relate to on a profound level. Despite being a fast-paced and light-hearted work, the novel succeeds in delving into themes of identity, ambition, and the human desire for connection.

Balzac's writing style envelops the reader, bringing the world of Gaudissart to life with vivid descriptions of the landscapes, towns, and people he encounters. The author's attention to detail is remarkable, immersing readers in each scene and evoking vivid imagery that adds depth to the story.

While Gaudissart II is an enjoyable read, it may not possess the same level of depth and complexity as some of Balzac's other notable works. Nevertheless, it serves as an engaging continuation of Gaudissart's story, offering readers a delightful escape into the world of 19th-century France and showcasing Balzac's mastery of character development.

Overall, Gaudissart II by Honoré de Balzac is a charming and entertaining novel that explores the multifaceted nature of its protagonist. It captivates readers with its realistic portrayal of a captivating salesman, drawing them into a world of ambition, love, and self-discovery. Whether you are a fan of Balzac's works or simply seeking an engaging tale, Gaudissart II is sure to leave an indelible mark on your literary experience.

First Page:

To know how to sell, to be able to sell, and to sell. People generally do not suspect how much of the stateliness of Paris is due to these three aspects of the same problem. The brilliant display of shops as rich as the salons of the noblesse before 1789; the splendors of cafes which eclipse, and easily eclipse, the Versailles of our day; the shop window illusions, new every morning, nightly destroyed; the grace and elegance of the young men that come in contact with fair customers; the piquant faces and costumes of young damsels, who cannot fail to attract the masculine customer; and (and this especially of late) the length, the vast spaces, the Babylonish luxury of galleries where shopkeepers acquire a monopoly of the trade in various articles by bringing them all together, all this is as nothing. Everything, so far, has been done to appeal to a single sense, and that the most exacting and jaded human faculty, a faculty developed ever since the days of the Roman Empire, until, in our own times, thanks to the efforts of the most fastidious civilization the world has yet seen, its demands are grown limitless... Continue reading book >>