Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert – 8⭐

I’ve read this many years ago, but like with all good books, there are moments related to it that are vivid in one’s memory.

There is so much realism in this book, it transports you right into 19th century France and in the heart of Emma Bovary’s life. A twisted, depressing and frustrating life, but not an unbelievable one. Reading this in my early 20s, during college, I recognized the type while turning the pages.
While Emma is influenced by romance novels and imagines for herself an unrealistic and unsustainable lifestyle, I had people close to me in similar mindsets influenced by movies and social media. It hurts. Flaubert’s work hurt. It hit me as I related from a distance to the distress such people must live in, distancing themselves from reality and imagining ridiculous scenarios for them.

I also remember being engrossed in the book. With about 100 pages left on a Saturday evening I didn’t stop until I finished it at 3AM. Screw partying on Saturday night, Madame B is bursting at the seams again.

A memorable read for the ages. 8/10⭐