Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by yas_azizam
Sentimental Education by Gustave Flaubert
2.0
This was a difficult read. I picked it up because Madame Bovary is one of my most favorite novels, and I enjoyed Flaubert's descriptive writing. However, whether because it was a more political novel (though with a focus on illicit affairs, believe me), I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't as much powerful, delicate imagery in this book. Perhaps because it was Flaubert's first novel, although he didn't quite finish it until the end of his life. Who knows.
It was mostly hard to read because Frederic is just so damn unlikeable. He serves as a cautionary tale - he's someone who let desire and lust completely overtake his like. His fixations lead him straight to unhappiness in his love life and in his business affairs. He never was quite focused on any one goal, be it woman or political position. Such a flighty man - honestly at the end I was actively hating him, and glad that he never achieved his great passion.
It's worth the read if you are interested in French politics of the time, but as a love story it falls short. If you're looking for a slightly confusing cautionary tale however, this book is it.
It was mostly hard to read because Frederic is just so damn unlikeable. He serves as a cautionary tale - he's someone who let desire and lust completely overtake his like. His fixations lead him straight to unhappiness in his love life and in his business affairs. He never was quite focused on any one goal, be it woman or political position. Such a flighty man - honestly at the end I was actively hating him, and glad that he never achieved his great passion.
It's worth the read if you are interested in French politics of the time, but as a love story it falls short. If you're looking for a slightly confusing cautionary tale however, this book is it.