A review by annjk
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

emotional reflective tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

While I acknowledge it was a valuable read, I did not enjoy it as throroughly. Being trapped in Emma's perspective was often very irritating. While sometimes I hoped she would finally wisen up, by the halfway point I resigned myself to see if she ends up causing a trainwreck for her family. 

I found the overarching themes good. New exciting things becoming habitual and mundane. The need to appreciate what is real and there instead of fantasies. Aging.

I noticed at some point Madame Bovary senior had told them after one of the earlier visits that they'll end up in a workhouse if they don't get their finances in order. I was wondering if that would come back by the end and while I was devastated for Berthe's fate, it was pretty poingnant. 

Part of me was disappointend Emma was spared from long term accountability even if her last day's weren't as romantically serene as she imagined.

Overall the book felt irritating, uncomfortable, verbose and very real. It isn't my favorite piece of writing but I can't deny it's an important book that definitely left an impact on me. I'll be thinking back on it every now and then.