Padre Ignacio; Or, The Song of Temptation  (Paperback, Owen Wister)

The novella's central character is Jean-Esther van Gobseck, a usurer or moneylender known for his ruthless and calculating nature. Gobseck is an elderly and wealthy man who accumulates his fortune by lending money at exorbitant interest rates. He is portrayed as a shrewd and unscrupulous financier who preys on the financial vulnerabilities of his clients. The story of "Gobseck" revolves around several characters who become entangled with Gobseck, either as borrowers or creditors. These characters include the young and impulsive Maxime de Trailles, the destitute and desperate Derville, and the enigmatic and mysterious Fanny Malvaut. The novella explores themes such as the corrupting influence of money, the moral and social consequences of financial transactions, and the contrast between wealth and virtue. It also delves into the psychology of characters who are driven by their desires and ambitions, often leading them into morally compromising situations. "Gobseck" is a character study of its titular character and a commentary on the financial and moral landscape of 19th-century France. Balzac's narrative style is known for its detailed observation of characters and their motivations, and "Gobseck" is no exception. It is a significant work within "La Comédie Humaine" and offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the societal norms and values of the time.