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Book Review Digest


Book Description

Excerpts from and citations to reviews of more than 8,000 books each year, drawn from coverage of 109 publications. Book Review Digest provides citations to and excerpts of reviews of current juvenile and adult fiction and nonfiction in the English language. Reviews of the following types of books are excluded: government publications, textbooks, and technical books in the sciences and law. Reviews of books on science for the general reader, however, are included. The reviews originate in a group of selected periodicals in the humanities, social sciences, and general science published in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. - Publisher.




Letters of Two Brides


Book Description

An epistolary novel written by renowned French novelist Balzac, who is regarded as one of the founders of realism and a significant influence to later novelists, the novel focuses on two young women who preserve their friendship through regular correspondence. Originally published in the French newspaper La Presse in 1841 as a serial, the piece later became a part of Balzac's distinguished novel sequence La Com�die Humaine, or The Human Comedy. Furthermore, Letters of Two Brides surrounds intriguing topics including love, romance, confusion, duty, and the complexity of relationships.The novel begins when two young women, Louise de Chaulieu and Ren�e de Maucombe, befriend one another during their time at a convent and accordingly agree to stay in touch after they leave. Soon after her departure from the convent, Louise receives a substantial inheritance from her grandmother, which is intended to secure her financial independence and sustain her ambitious lifestyle. This freedom allows her to move to Paris where she devotes her time to exciting social events and also meets Felipe Henarez, who later wins her affections with his romantic perseverance. Her marriage to him provides her with passionate love and a seemingly endless supply of happiness, though it is in fact short-lived. Ren�e on the other hand, does not see love as a prerequisite for marriage and for that reason marries a man quite her senior, with the belief that he will care for her and fulfill her desire to become a mother. While Ren�e is satisfied with the love she receives as a mother and the respect of her husband, Louise devotes her time to finding a man who will promise her both love and passion. Interestingly, despite the fact that each woman tries to sway the other to adapt their standpoint, they nevertheless continue to offer sincere advice to one another. Though their lives lead them in opposite directions, as Louise is guided by passionate romance, while Ren�e takes a more sensible approach, both women still maintain their friendship through frequent letters detailing their lives...




Letters of Two Brides ; Albert Savarus


Book Description

Embark on a journey of love, passion, and intrigue with Honoré de Balzac's captivating novels, "Letters of Two Brides" and "Albert Savarus." Join Balzac as he explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of desire, and the secrets that bind us together in this masterful exploration of the human heart. Step into the lives of Balzac's compelling characters as they navigate the tumultuous waters of romance and ambition in 19th-century France. From the poignant correspondence between two brides to the mysterious allure of the enigmatic Albert Savarus, Balzac's novels offer a vivid and immersive portrait of a bygone era. Experience the thrill of forbidden love and clandestine affairs as Balzac delves into the forbidden passions that lie beneath the surface of polite society. With his keen insight into the human psyche, he reveals the hidden desires, fears, and motivations that drive his characters to both triumph and tragedy. Delve into the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption as Balzac weaves a complex tapestry of relationships and emotions. From the bonds of friendship to the bonds of marriage, "Letters of Two Brides" and "Albert Savarus" explore the intricate dynamics that define our closest connections and shape our destinies. The overall tone of Balzac's novels is one of depth, complexity, and emotional resonance, as he invites readers to explore the depths of the human heart and soul. With his richly drawn characters and evocative prose, he offers readers a window into a world of passion, intrigue, and timeless truths. Since their publication, "Letters of Two Brides" and "Albert Savarus" have captivated readers with their compelling narratives, vivid characters, and profound insights into the human condition. Their enduring popularity is a testament to Balzac's enduring legacy as one of the greatest writers of the 19th century. Whether you're a longtime fan of Balzac or new to his work, "Letters of Two Brides" and "Albert Savarus" offer a captivating and immersive reading experience that will leave you spellbound from start to finish. Join Honoré de Balzac on a journey of love, passion, and intrigue, and discover the timeless beauty of his literary masterpieces. Don't miss your chance to experience the unforgettable drama of "Letters of Two Brides" and "Albert Savarus" by Honoré de Balzac. Let their richly drawn characters and captivating narratives transport you to a world of romance, betrayal, and redemption. Secure your copies now and immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Balzac's literary genius.




Meaningful Absence Across Arts and Media


Book Description

This volume focusses on a rarely discussed method of meaning production, namely via the absence, rather than presence, of signifiers. It does so from an interdisciplinary, transmedial perspective, which covers systematic, media-comparative and historical aspects, and reveals various forms and functions of missing signifiers across arts and media. The meaningful silences, blanks, lacunae, pauses, etc., treated by the ten contributors are taken from language and literature, film, comics, opera and instrumental music, architecture, and the visual arts. Contributors are: Nassim Balestrini, Walter Bernhart, Olga Fischer, Saskia Jaszoltowski, Henry Keazor, Peter Revers, Klaus Rieser, Daniel Stein, Anselm Wagner, Werner Wolf




Letters of Two Brides


Book Description

Letters of Two Brides is an epistolary novel, largely consisting of letters between two women who become friends in a convent in their teenage years. They begin their correspondence when they depart the order as young women and embark on their lives in different areas of France. Louise is a woman of passion, a lover of love, who must have a great romance in order to be fulfilled. Renée is measured, a women of sense, desiring a love that will last a lifetime rather than (in her way of thinking) flame out like a comet. In several of their epistles, each takes the other to task over her approach to life and love. As their ages and respective marriages progress, it becomes obvious where Balzac’s sympathies lie. One of the later additions to The Human Comedy, Letters of Two Brides was originally serialized (and heavily bowdlerized) in the French journal La Presse in 1841, in three parts rather than two. It was not until the second edition of the novel that it was repartitioned into its present form. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.