Sarrasine (de) by Honoré de Balzac is a gripping and thought-provoking novella that delves into the themes of obsession, jealousy, and the pursuit of unattainable beauty. The story follows the young sculptor, Sarrasine, as he becomes infatuated with a mysterious opera singer named La Zambinella. As he becomes more and more obsessed with her, Sarrasine's illusions are shattered, and he discovers the dark truth behind La Zambinella's allure.

Balzac's writing is richly descriptive and full of vivid imagery, transporting the reader to the glamorous world of 19th-century Paris. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Sarrasine's inner turmoil and La Zambinella's inscrutable charm adding layers of depth to the narrative.

The novella unfolds like a suspenseful mystery, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very last page. Balzac's exploration of the destructive power of unrequited love and the consequences of vanity make Sarrasine a timeless tale that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Overall, Sarrasine (de) is a masterful work of literature that showcases Balzac's unparalleled storytelling skills and philosophical insight.

Book Description:
Auf den Festen der märchenhaften reichen Familie Lauty taucht immer wieder ein rätselhafter uralter Mann auf, bei dessen Anblick es den Gästen kalt über den Rücken läuft. Niemand weiß, in welcher Verbindung der Greis zu der geheimnisumwittereten Familie steht.
Die Wurzeln des Geheimnisses liegen in der tragischen Lebensgeschichte des genialen Bildhauers Sarrasine, einer Geschichte voller Kunst und Musik, Liebe und Leidenschaft. (Zusammenfassung von Hokuspokus)