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bergenslabben's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
zantyu2's review against another edition
2.0
Really couldn't get behind this book, too much references to greek mythology which I'm not studied up on yet should of started with something easier 'madame bovary' maybe that would of been a better introduction to Flaubert. Found myself drifting out of the book and not really remembering much.
iztrkfliers's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely a book that I need to reread, because much of it flew over my head (lots of references to historical events I don't know). But the prose is spectacular, and the elevated style is fantastic.
malibu1986's review
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
msgtdameron's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I can see why this is Flauberts' opus magnum, it is a wonderful look at all the evils through out history. It also gives one hope in that with a belief in Christ all will be well. Also a look at what can happen when one spends to long isolated from his fellow man. Enjoy.
blchandler9000's review against another edition
3.0
Delicious lists, fascinating philosophies, nightmarish visions, and hallucinatory images. Flaubert writes a novel (which almost reads like a play) that describes in detail the dreams that Anthony has during a single trying night. Flaubert's writing is not so much poetic as precise (which I am led to believe was his goal in writing). He culls names and images from history, myth, legend, religion, and science to concoct scenes and characters who confront Anthony and challenge his faith. There are many lovely and luscious moments in the books, but several clunky scenes, too, where the author seems to spend too much time wandering in his own thoughts. I was also disappointed by the ending. After 100 pages of characters and experiences that gave reasons to lose one's faith, Anthony never has a chance to give his own reasons for maintaining it. Instead, the morning comes suddenly and Anthony's nightmares end. I would have liked to have read a rebuttal to the visions' temptations. Still, the book was fun to read, and for the most part I liked Flaubet's style, images, and ideas enough that I will seek out more of his works.