La Comédie humaine - Volume 01
- Approximate level
- B2
- Length
- 209,223 words
- Reading time
- 17 h 26 min
- Chapters
- 13
- Language
- French
- On Project Gutenberg since
- 2012
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This biographical introduction to Honoré de Balzac offers a glimpse into the early life of the famous French novelist. Written in the nineteenth century, the text uses formal, descriptive language that reflects the literary style of the era. You will encounter sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures that require careful attention. The narrative explores themes of childhood, education, and the development of an artistic temperament. It is a demanding but rewarding read for those looking to improve their grasp of classical French prose.
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Subjects
- France -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Questions about this book
What level of French do I need for this book?
The estimate is B2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.
Is this book really free?
Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.
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How long does it take to read?
About 17 h 26 min at a native pace, spread over 13 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.
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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.