The Lily of the Valley

The lily of the valley is Comtesse de Mortsauf, living in the castle Clochegourde with her husband and two children. She had a sad childhood and now, in her marriage, her happiness is focused on her children. The novel also centers on Felix de Vandenesse who likewise had an unhappy childhood, both at home and at school. He meets Madame de Mortsauf while visiting at Frapesle, near Clochegourde. Felix appears in several other novels by Balzac. This novel is said to be one of Balzac's personal favorites and is highly regarded by critics.