In the French town of Saumur, respected wine-seller Felix Grandet sees his daughter Eugenie as a source of revenue. Felix possesses a great fortune already, but he knows that, if he gives Eugenie to the right man, he'll earn even more. Two families, the Cruchots and the Des Grassins, dispute this privilege, hoping Eugenie will bring a good dowry to the union, though Felix makes himself look like a modest merchant.
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One night, Eugenie's cousin Charles arrives from Paris, and she falls in love with him. Charles' family is broke and Felix despises him. Later on we learn that Charles's father -and Felix's brother- has just passed away and he's torn by the event.
Charles doesn't love Eugenie but just cares for her, and confides her his secret of amassing the money he needs to travel overseas and retrieve his father's fortune and honor. Eugenie confronts Felix to get the money.
Upon his return, many years later, Charles is a different man. He has forgotten the tender relation with Eugenie and is as money-minded as Felix Grandet. They confront each other one last time, and Eugenie realizes she's lost him.
Eugenie is left hung out to dry in Saumur forever, taking care of his now mentally ill father and providing charity to his town.
The review of this Book prepared by Augusto Wong Campos
