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Madame Bovary (Bantam Classics)
: Emma Bovary wanted more than what her father had at his ranch. So, she married a doctor, hoping for a life full of romance. When that failed she had 2 different lovers, and did everything in her power to be with them. Dr. Bovary was a fool, he never knew anything that was going on. Emma needed much more than her husband could give, that's why she left and pretended to be taking piano lessons. She was a bored woman, who needed to spend a carefree life. In the end it was her demise. This book was excellent in portraying a woman who only wanted to live in her fantasy world.
What surprised me about rereading Madame Bovary was not how much I enjoyed it, but how much many of my AP English students enjoyed it. Unlike other "older" novels, this one held much more allure for its feminine perspective and for its many "modern" themes. I think fellow reviewer Mitchell does an excellent job going over some different perspectives we can appreciate, but I'd like to amplify his last perspective: young people do find the book startlingly modern. What other "classic" protagonist is so bold in seeking personal pleasure over convention? As for the writing, I wish I could read it in French -- often I got the feeling that the writing would be even better in the original, but to Flaubert's credit (and the translator's), its literary qualities are still intact. We had many lively debates regarding Emma's morality and her selfishness -- many in the class felt sorry for Charles. Students who are good readers enjoy Madame Bovary more than other more moralistic tales like the Scarlet Letter often read in the same course. They find Flaubert much "hipper" than his American counterpart Hawthorne. For anyone who has been saving the reading of this book, wait no more -- even though Flaubert claims not to have been that interested in plot or character, the book is still a lively and compelling read on every front. One of my all time favorites.
It's all here. All of it. I still can't believe it. ALL questions relevant to human existence are addressed through NARRATIVE, not through Big Talk about Big Ideas. Flaubert respects silence. More writers should learn this trick. (One for the geeks: anti-framing device pre-dates "Modernism" by fifty-ish years AND has emotional resonance. Amazing!
That's not hyperbole--I truly believe it is the best book written. In Emma Bovary, Flaubert has created a complex, infuriating woman who is incredibly, utterly real. The reader learns so much about human nature--not only through Emma's illusions and despair, but through the peculiar quirks of all the other supporting characters. A masterpiece.
 When I read this book I felt as if time had stopped. It was so, so boring. Emma Bovary was a psycho. I hate this book so much. I never been to hell ,and I don't planon ever going. However, I think I know what it must feel like after reading that book. Oh the horrors!!!! The memories are coming back. I must stop now before I experience that hell once again. Please stop the madness. No more Madame Bovary!!!
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