Madame Bovary

Gustave Flaubert

Oct 2012 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

A critical masterpiece, Madame Bovary is the story of Emma Bovary’s search for passion and the consequences that follow. While deeply loved by her husband Charles, Emma is unhappy with the banality of her provincial life, and seeks excitement in infidelity and living beyond her means. Left brokenhearted and penniless, the truth of Emma’s life ultimately destroys her and her family.

Reflecting on the bourgeoisie of France in the early nineteenth century, Madame Bovary is Flaubert’s commentary on the wealthy’s romantic delusions and the impact such delusions have on the lives of everyone involved. Upon the publication of Madame Bovary in 1856 Gustave Flaubert was prosecuted for obscenity and offending public morals. In 1857 he was acquitted, and, aided by the publicity from the trial, Madame Bovary became a bestseller. It has been adapted for film, television, and theatre, including two adaptions in 2014—Madame Bovary starring Mia Wasikowska and Paul Giamatti, and Gemma Bovery starring Gemma Arterton.

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Ratings and reviews

I thought the book well written, and understand why it's considered one of the best. I don't think any characters were developed enough for me to ever forget that they were fictitious, which is why I only gave three stars.

Every time I open it, the screen turns black and the app crashes.

Beautifully detailed descriptions but I felt little empathy with the characters.

About the author

Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was born in Rouen, France. Published in 1857, Madame Bovary gained popularity after a failed attempt to ban it for obscenity. Salammbô (1862), Sentimental Education (1869), and the political play The Candidate (1874) met with criticism and misconceptions. Only after the publication of Three Tales in 1877 was Flaubert's genius publicly acknowledged.