I was deeply moved by the fact that the book came to you as a family heirloom. These objects have a special value, a story that transcends words. And for you to say that Balzac doesn't judge, he only shows human misery, is precisely what makes the classics endure. I find it fascinating, that author's ability to make you see things as they really are. Eugenia's story sounds heartbreaking; I can already imagine the helplessness and sadness. The fact that her love costs her her own happiness, and that selfishness and betrayal mark her, is a very hard life lesson, but a true one.