'Lost Illusions' tells the story of a young poet, Lucien de Rubempré, from Angoulême, desperately trying to make a name for himself in Paris as a writer and journalist. He is poor, naive, but very ambitious. Having failed to make a name for himself in his run-down provincial town, he falls under the patronage of a wealthy married woman, Louise de Bargeton, hoping to pave the way for himself in high society. But Madame de Bargeton puts his reputation first; she abandons him, and the elite refuse to let him into their circle. Lucien then realizes that talent is worthless compared to money, intrigue, and unscrupulousness.
By telling us Lucien's story, Balzac brilliantly paints a realistic and satirical portrait of provincial and Parisian mores and aristocratic life. This extraordinary novel is about unfulfilled ambitions, disappointed hopes, a reflection on time and society, on loss and disappointment.