Another novel in The Human Comedy grouping. Which is a wonderful title and a strong concept; Balzac understandably successful and widely lauded for these novels. A bit more background about the author in summaries of the other two Balzac novels I've read: here, and here.
This one is quite late in his list of works. A gentle old faded bachelor musician (Pons) - with some connections among the aristocrats and wealthy - falls out of favor. No longer invited for opulent dinners - his passion. Has a staunch German musician-friend, but nevertheless experiences depression over his declining circumstances. Pons was a quiet connoisseur of fine arts throughout his life and had amassed a collection that those around him belatedly recognize as quite valuable. Machinations of lawyer, landlady, relatives, etc. as Pons's health fails comprise much of the story line.
I think it's too cynical. Not one of my favorites.
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