Balzac’s 'La Comédie humaine' is his massive project to capture all of French society, and this volume, 'Scènes de la vie de Province,' zooms in on life outside of glamorous Paris. The first story here is 'Ursule Mirouët.'

The Story

In the sleepy town of Nemours, a retired doctor named Minoret-Levrault lives a comfortable life. He shocks his family by adopting his niece, the gentle and pious Ursule Mirouët, after her father dies. The doctor, a man of science turned spiritualist later in life, dotes on Ursule and intends to make her his sole heir. His other relatives—a notary, a tax collector, a postmaster—are a scheming bunch who’ve always expected to split his fortune. The story follows two paths: the deep, almost mystical bond between the old doctor and Ursule, and the cold, calculating plans of his extended family. When the doctor dies suddenly, their polite envy explodes into a vicious legal and emotional battle to disinherit Ursule. They use every tool at their disposal, from manipulating the law to spreading cruel rumors, to break her spirit and claim the money.

Why You Should Read It

What amazed me wasn’t the plot of the inheritance fight (though it’s gripping), but how Balzac makes you feel the weight of small-town life. Everyone is watching everyone else. Reputation is everything, and money is the scorecard. The 'villains' aren’t cartoonish; they’re your neighbors, your cousins—people who justify their awful actions by saying they’re protecting their family’s future. Ursule’s goodness and vulnerability make you want to shield her from their greed. Balzac shows how inheritance isn’t just about money; it’s about power, love, and legacy. He also weaves in themes of spirituality versus materialism, which adds a fascinating layer to the conflict.

Final Verdict

This is for readers who love character-driven dramas and social puzzles. If you enjoy authors like George Eliot or Anthony Trollope, who dissect the morals and manners of a community, you’ll feel right at home with Balzac. It’s also perfect for anyone who thinks 19th-century classics are stuffy—this feels urgent, sharp, and surprisingly tense. Be ready for rich detail and a large cast, but if you let yourself sink into the world of Nemours, you’ll find a story that’s as much about human nature now as it was then.