In the bustling streets of a poor neighborhood in Paris, a young man named Raphael de Valentin finds himself drawn into the murky depths of a gambling den. Surrounded by the usual unsavory characters, Raphael, with a heavy heart, places his last coin on a fatal spin of the wheel, only to watch it slip away. Left with nothing, he contemplates ending his life as he wanders towards the Seine, hovering over its cold, unwelcoming waters.

A Mysterious Discovery

As Raphael stands on the Pont Royal, the presence of paid rescuers keeps him from taking the plunge. Seeking refuge, he enters an antique shop pretending to browse. The shop's elderly owner takes him to a hidden section upstairs and reveals a remarkable object: a piece of shagreen, or untanned animal hide, inscribed with Sanskrit. The aged piece holds a formidable secret—its owner can have any wish granted, but with each wish, the skin shrinks, shortening the owner’s life until the skin disappears completely.

An Unforeseen Banquet

Ignoring the antique seller's forewarning, Raphael seizes the shagreen and wishes for a lavish feast with plenty of wine and the company of jovial friends and women of questionable virtue. As he exits the shop, he encounters his friends Rastignac and Émile, two impulsive adventurers, who offer him an unexpected opportunity. They propose that Raphael become the editor of a new journal financed by a wealthy banker, and a celebratory banquet in Raphael’s honor is already arranged for that evening. Slightly anxious about the wish's swift fulfillment, Raphael nevertheless heads to the feast.

The Banquet and a Reflective Tale

The banker’s grand apartment hosts an extravagant table, and after indulging in excessive food and wine, the revelers move to another room where lively women await. Enchanted by their beauty, Raphael finds himself amidst two agreeable companions and Émile, who encourages him to recount the tale of his current predicament.

A Spiraling Past

Following the death of his mother, Raphael’s austere father dedicated himself to prepare his son for a future in law. But upon his father’s passing, Raphael is left nearly penniless. In pursuit of wealth, he isolates himself in a garret to hone his literary craft, subsisting on meager provisions. He rents a room from the Gaudin family, forming a bond with their daughter, Pauline, who assists him with small tasks.

Friendships and Fortunes

Despite his disciplined lifestyle, Raphael’s health deteriorates, prompting him to step outside for air, where he encounters Rastignac. They discuss Rastignac's extravagant lifestyle despite his financial woes, and Raphael is eventually offered a writing commission that temporarily alleviates his monetary troubles. After paying his dues to Madame Gaudin, he entrusts his remaining funds to Rastignac for gambling, resulting in a lucky win.

Love and Longing

Raphael soon becomes a regular at the opulent gatherings of Countess Foedora, a charming widow with a mysterious past. Despite her aloofness, Raphael becomes enamored, but her secrets and disinterest in romance leave him dejected. A daring but futile attempt to uncover her true emotions only deepens his despair, leading to a withdrawal from society.

The Consequences of Desire

His narrative ends as Émile and the women grow inattentive, and Raphael, in a moment of bravado, wishes for immense wealth—a wish granted by the inheritance of six million francs from his deceased uncle. Yet, the shrinking of the magic skin casts a shadow over his newfound riches.

Luxury and Lament

Despite his affluence, Raphael’s life is plagued by anxiety over the skin’s relentless contraction. At an opera, a chance encounter with Pauline, now wealthy due to her father’s return, rekindles joy in Raphael’s life,...