The Fatal Skin Author:Honore de Balzac The self-consuming force of man's desire is the theme that animates this extraordinary novel. The "fatal skin" of the title, a strange talisman that has the power to grant its owner's every wish, is no instrument of fantasy. it is a stunning symbol of vital reality in a tale in which lust, avarice. gluttony, and even love play their parts with g... more »rim irony. For he skin's blessing also contains its curse: grim irony.« less