Boris Balkan, a character in "The Club Dumas," reveals aspects of his professional life, noting that he has translated the Parma Cartuja and published critiques across various European magazines. He also organizes summer courses on contemporary writers and has authored several books focused on 19th-century popular novels. Despite his accomplishments, he expresses a sense of modesty about their significance in a world that seems to prioritize sensationalism over literary depth.

Balkan's reflections highlight a disillusionment with modern literature, suggesting that too many current authors, like Rogelio Ackroyd, produce unoriginal works that focus on trivial personal experiences rather than meaningful storytelling. His comments critique the literary landscape, emphasizing a longing for substance in storytelling amidst a backdrop of superficiality and desperation.