The Bussardel Family

Since the time of Napoleon's downfall, the Bussardel family has lived in one of the luxurious mansions in Paris. The head of the family, Floran Bussardel, is a selfish stockbroker with a cold mind. Despite having limited means, he managed to secure a strong financial capital for his children and grandchildren. A prosperous and respected family — this is the grand facade of the Bussardels' life. But there is also what is hidden from view. Describing the everyday life of his characters day by day, Philippe Erié generously places skeletons in the closets, which he periodically reveals to the reader. The Bussardels are not saints — they are living people. Illegitimate children, adultery, unsavory deeds, misunderstandings, and absolute indifference to each other and to human sorrows in general — all of this constitutes the true life of the family. Following the twists and turns of the characters' fates is extremely interesting — precisely because Erié, like his predecessor Balzac, paints an authentic human comedy.