Sarrasine
by Honoré de Balzac

This is the story of star-crossed lovers Ernest-Jean Sarrasine, a young sculptor who travels to Rome, and Zambinella, a stage actress who becomes his muse. Zambinella has a secret which thwarts their romance, but Sarrasine’s mounting obsession fuels his desire – he hatches a plan so that they may be together, no matter what the cost. The narrator of this tale affirms the tragic consequences of confusing appearance with reality.