Paz (La Fausse Maitresse)

"Paz (La Fausse Maitresse)" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel composed in the early 19th century. The narrative revolves around wealthy heiress Mademoiselle du Rouvre and her marriage to Polish exile Comte Adam Laginski, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and societal complexities in post-revolutionary France. The story introduces Captain Thaddeus Paz, a devoted servant and friend to Adam, whose hidden affections and sacrifices for the Countess frame the central interpersonal dynamics. The beginning of the novel sets up a rich backdrop of Parisian society and a poignant exploration of relationships. It details the opulent life of the newly married Laginskis, contrasted with the silent dedication of Paz, who manages their affairs and appears to be a mere servant. As the Countess grows curious about the mysterious Paz, the tension between the characters and the complexities of their relationships begin to unfold. Through these introductions, Balzac hints at the deeper emotional entanglements and moral dilemmas that will challenge the characters as the story progresses. The stage is thus set for a narrative that promises intrigue, love, and the social critique typical of Balzac's works. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright. The novel sequence La Comédie humaine, which presents a panorama of post-Napoleonic French life, is generally viewed as his magnum opus.