Lucien Chardon is a young man who wants nothing more than to become a notable poet. He lives in a small village, and it is not the place for an aspiring writer. When a married lady Madame de Bargeton offers Lucien help, he is more than ready to move to Paris. Paris, however, is not an easy place either. There might be more possibilities, but at the same time the big city and it's societies can be more cruel than Lucien could have ever imagined. 'Lost Illusions' is an intriguing novel written by Honoré de Balzac.