Sarrasine : Kessinger Publishing : 9781162683072 : 1162683074 : 10 Sep 2010 : Sarrasine is a novella written by Honore De Balzac, originally published in 1830. The story follows the life of a young sculptor named Sarrasine, who becomes infatuated with a singer named La Zambinella. However, Sarrasine's obsession with La Zambinella is not what it seems, as he discovers that she is actually a castrato, a male singer who has been castrated to preserve his high-pitched voice. This revelation leads Sarrasine down a path of madness and despair, as he struggles to come to terms with his own desires and the societal norms that have led him to this point.The novella is a classic example of Balzac's realist style, which focuses on the gritty realities of life and the struggles of ordinary people. Through Sarrasine's story, Balzac explores themes of gender, sexuality, and the power dynamics between men and women. The novella also features a cast of colorful characters, including the wealthy and ec