Ewelina Hanska who lives with her husband in Wierzchownia, Ukraine. She writes the letter to Honoré de Balzac, expressing admiration for his work. Thirty-three years old, already a famous writer, leading life in Paris, borrows money and travels to Switzerland. Mrs. Hanska goes there as well, with her husband and daughter.
Honoré de Balzac and Ewelina Hanska meet in Switzerland. The famous writer is enchanted by the beauty and personality of Polish lady. He confesses love to her. After returning to Paris, he is sends passionate letters to a beautiful lady Hańska. One of them falls into the hands of her husband.
Balzac going back to Switzerland for Christmas. In January 1834 Ewelina and Honore become lovers. After returning home, the famous French has an affair with the beautiful contessa - Sara Guidoni-Visconti. As the writer refuses to join the army, he is thrown into prison.
Thanks to the intervention of one of his friends, Balzac is released from prison. Mrs. Hanska, which finds of her lover's affair with contesse, breaks up with him at a meeting in Vienna. Also contessa - after payment Balzac’s debts - breaks up with him. Fortunately publishers decide to start printing "The Human Comedy".
Balzac is working hard on his literary work. In 1841 Ewelina's husband dies. After eight years of separation Hanska meet with Balzac in St. Petersburg, but do not want to agree to marry him.
Between meeting in Saint Petersburg and the next in Dresden - Balzac writes 18 novels. Although he is still absorbed in debt. Anna, Ewelina's daughter, marries Jerzy Mniszch. Balzac, who has long been a friend of the family, invites young couple to Paris. Here, Ewelina agrees to the wedding. Now, they need only the consent of the Tsar. Jealous friend steals Balzac's letters, in which Ewelina admits to pregnancy and stillbirth. Balzac buys out letters and burns them, but Mrs. Hanska leaves to Wierzchownia.
1847. Alone and sick Balzac goes on a long journey to Wierzchnia. He spends a short time in Paris, where he is a witness of the February Revolution, and then returns to the property of Mrs. Hańska. Realizing the hopeless health condition of the writer, Mrs. Ewelina agrees to the wedding. Married couple travels to Paris, where the author dies.