Cousin Bette

Honoré de Balzac

⏱ 8 minFrench classic

A poor, plain spinster hides a devouring jealousy of her rich relations behind a mask of devotion, and patiently engineers their ruin through a beautiful courtesan. Balzac's ferocious study of revenge and appetite in Paris.

Listen to the whole of Cousin Bette in about 8 minutes — professionally narrated, with Apple-Music-style synced subtitles. One book free every day; Folio Premium unlocks the entire library.