In 1821, the young and hopeful poet Lucien ventures from the rural provinces to the big city of Paris. He is determined to write a famous novel and relies on the support of his noble patron Louise de Bargeton. But everything turns out differently than hoped and he is soon on his own. By chance, he gets a job as an author at a Parisian newspaper and the sensitive idealist quickly rises through the ranks of Parisian society. Through his linguistically refined newspaper articles, he gains a great reputation in the world of literature; an important publisher even wants to publish his novel. But Lucien overrides the opportunity and soon learns the true mechanisms of power: profit, envy and false truths. Lucien goes through a bitter school of life, because he realizes that everything and everyone can be bought in Paris, as long as you know what strings you have to pull in the background. Can Lucien stay true to his dreams or will the city of love devour him? Reviews