A Murky Business by Honore de Balzac (Penguin Classics)

A Murky Business is a historical novel by Honoré de Balzac, published in 1841. The novel is set in France during the early years of Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign, from 1803 to 1806. It tells the story of a group of Royalist conspirators who are plotting to overthrow Napoleon. The central character is Lucien de Rubempré, a young man who becomes involved in the conspiracy.

A Murky Business is a complex and suspenseful novel that explores the themes of power, corruption, and betrayal. It is also a fascinating portrait of French society during a time of great upheaval.

The novel is part of Balzac’s larger series, La Comédie Humaine, which is a panoramic view of French life in the early 19th century. A Murky Business is one of the most famous novels in La Comédie Humaine, and it has been adapted for film and television several times.