Veering away from his realism and plot based novels comes Louis Lambert. Containing real elements from De Balzac's childhood critics have suggested it should be classed as a fictionalized autobiography. However De Balzac himself proclaimed the plot was merely a platform for the metaphysical and philosophical ideas of the main boy-genius protagonist. The author regularly declared himself to be a genius. Many agree he used Louis Lambert to explore the problems and difficulties that arise within society from the perspective of a genius. Any readers who have become fans of De Balzac and wish to further explore his musings and personal thoughts should definitely read this.