LE COUSIN PONS

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This book, forming a diptych with 'La Cousine Bette', demonstrates very clearly Balzac's dislike of the Parisien bourgeoisie that came into prominence after the July Revolution of 1830. There are few really likeable characters in this book, and certainly no heroes or heroines. The book tells the story of two musical bachelors, the eponymous Pons and his friend Schmucke, and how they are socially ostracised and finally denuded of their wealth by their neighbours, their relations, and by officers of the law. There is no light relief here and none of the comic figures that Dickens would have inserted to lighten the journey from riches to rags. It does, however, paint a vivid picture of the Paris of the day that the reader will find only too convincing.