Cousin Bette

Lisbeth Fischer, the poor relation known as Cousin Bette, has long resented her family’s apparent happiness and prosperity. When her own hopes are wounded, she turns that resentment into a plan for revenge. Her alliance with Valérie Marneffe exploits Baron Hulot’s weaknesses and threatens his household. Balzac combines a family drama with a portrait of Parisian society, where desire, money and reputation are closely connected. The novel traces how concealed grievances and repeated compromises can undermine a family from within.