The Magic Skin by Honoré de Balzac

(4 User reviews)   479
By Linda Cook Posted on Dec 6, 2025
In Category - Wholesome Literature
Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850 Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850
English
"The Magic Skin" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written during the early 19th century. The story delves into themes of desire, desperation, and the interplay between fate and free will, centering around a young man named Raphael de Valentin. He finds himself on the brink of suicide, feeling the weight of his unfulfilled dreams and suffering from po...
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tone, as Raphael enters a gambling house at the Palais-Royal, drawn by his compulsions yet seemingly untouched by the seasoned gamblers around him. He places his last piece of gold on the table, representing his final gamble against despair, and loses it, hinting at the futility of his situation. As he leaves the gambling den with thoughts of suicide, he encounters a mysterious old merchant who offers him a magical piece of skin that promises to fulfill his desires but at a great price. This encounter lays the groundwork for the profound moral and existential dilemmas that will unfold throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Daniel Williams
1 month ago

I have to admit, the interplay between the protagonists drives the story forward beautifully. A perfect companion for a quiet weekend.

Matthew Thomas
5 months ago

Believe the hype, the attention to historical detail adds a layer of realism that is rare. Highly recommended for everyone.

Oliver Lee
4 months ago

Without a doubt, the interplay between the protagonists drives the story forward beautifully. It exceeded all my expectations.

Thomas Gonzalez
2 months ago

As someone who reads a lot, the logical flow of arguments makes it an essential resource for research. Worth every second of your time.

4
4 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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