M. Grandet, a vine-grower, lessor, and ruthless businessman, is the richest man in the town of Saumur. He’s also a miser: he lives in a decrepit house, parcels out sugar and eggs as if they’ll never be replenished, and lights only a single candle in the parlor at night. He’s worth many millions, but he and his family live as paupers.
His daughter, Eugénie, has no idea they’re rich; austerity is...
