Poor Relations

''Poor Relations'' is a novel by Honoré de Balzac, written in the mid-19th century, that explores themes of jealousy, familial relationships, and social status in Parisian society. The story follows Cousin Bette, also known as Lisbeth Fischer, who feels overshadowed by her beautiful cousin Adeline Hulot and becomes consumed by resentment and a desire for revenge against the Hulot family. As tensions rise, Balzac provides a vivid portrayal of the struggles between wealth and poverty, making this work a significant part of his larger series, the Comédie humaine.