An Historical Mystery by Honore de Balzac is divided into two parts with sub-sections. The story opens in the year 1803 with the description of the nature and the surroundings. The author begins with the understanding between French people and Bonaparte. On the whole the book is a wonderful and ingenious reflection on the contemporary French history and French society, in the backdrop of world affairs. The story begins to take a lighter tone with the conversation between a husband and wife. The first chapter “Judas” gradually prepares the readers for the ensuing events. The storyline is highly emphatic and the plot is very strong. The descriptive presentation of the events adds to the element of interest.
