The Wild Ass's Skin
The Wild Ass's Skin
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977
Book Brief
Beta285
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1820s
1977
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Wild Ass's Skin, a young man's life changes when he acquires a magical piece of animal hide that fulfills his desires while shrinking with each wish. The hide's power leads him to confront the consequences of his choices and the fleeting nature of life, ultimately exploring themes of desire, destiny, and mortality.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Fantastical
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
10,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Honoré de Balzac's The Wild Ass's Skin explores themes of desire, power, and the cost of excess, captivating readers with its philosophical depth and vibrant character depictions. While the narrative richly immerses in 19th-century Paris, some find its pacing uneven and dense. The book's intriguing premise continues to inspire discussions about human ambition and mortality.
Who Should Read The Wild Ass's Skin?
A reader fascinated by metaphysical dilemmas and societal critique would enjoy Balzac’s The Wild Ass's Skin. Similar to Goethe's Faust and Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, this novel draws those intrigued by themes of desire, power, and the human condition.
10,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
285
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1820s
1977
Adult
18+ years
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