Lucien is a young poet back in 19th-century France with lots of aspirations for life. He left his printing press family to try his luck in Paris. In the fabulous city, Lucien will discover the backstage of a world manipulated by the law of profit and pretence. In Balzac’s human comedy, the press resembles literature when everything is bought and sold: politics, feelings, reputations and souls alike. Lucien will love, suffer, and survive his illusions.