Read it many years ago in AP English and still count it among favorites. It helped me to understand my mother–I don’t want to spoil anything by telling you why just yet. Enjoy!
I’d start with the first page. I would also notice that the first chapter is told from the point of view of “we”, when the rest of the book uses an impersonal narrator. (The first is “nous”, i.e. “we” in English). To the end, we are left with a nagging question: Who is “we”?
I read it several years ago for a book club. I actually liked it and was glad that I had read it. Some members bowed out of reading it because of things they’d heard about it. It was difficult reading at times and many times I wanted to slap the characters, but then in the next breath I would feel a great deal of empathy for them. Glad I read it.
I know what you mean about wanting to slap the characters. That ability to make us feel so deeply with the written word is a gift. When I saw “Dear Evan Hansen,” I felt that way about Evan’s Mother; she wasn’t really seeing him and it made me angry. Then she sang “So Big/So Small” and I could not stop crying, wanting to go up on stage and hug her and tell her how wrong I had been. (No wonder she won the Tony Award.)
I love French literature and I have several other books by this outstanding author.
I found the pace super slow, it is not my fav book but it still interesting. Hope you enjoy more than I did ! 🙂
I read it a long time ago and remember loving it. I need to read it again!
@Deborah same here?
One of the richest and most sophisticated psychological portraits of European literature. She could be Freud’s patient.
Flaubert is the master of French Literature. “L’éducation sentimentale” is his masterpiece. “Madame Bovary” is what made his renommée. A must read!
Read it many years ago in AP English and still count it among favorites. It helped me to understand my mother–I don’t want to spoil anything by telling you why just yet. Enjoy!
Loved it
I bought it today!
Fine choice!
Great book! He writes human nature well!
I have always wanted to read this. Let us know how it goes.
Prepare yourself….
It’s amazing! Even the slow parts are beautifully written. You’ll never forget it.
Thank you guys. Yes, will definitely share my experience as soon as I end up finishing it. Loads of best wishes!
Haven’t read it yet.
I’d start with the first page. I would also notice that the first chapter is told from the point of view of “we”, when the rest of the book uses an impersonal narrator. (The first is “nous”, i.e. “we” in English). To the end, we are left with a nagging question: Who is “we”?
I was so irritated by the character of Emma Bovary! Maybe you’ll empathise with her more than I did.
Reading it for a reading group. Just started and already underwhelmed by it.
@Rachel keep going. it gets better as you go along.
Excellent book. I wanted to slap every character. The last 50 pages are brutal. Glad I read it…won’t read it again .
Fantastic book. I’d give opinions but that would give too much of the plot away.
Maybe start with a Xanax 🙂
I read it several years ago for a book club. I actually liked it and was glad that I had read it. Some members bowed out of reading it because of things they’d heard about it. It was difficult reading at times and many times I wanted to slap the characters, but then in the next breath I would feel a great deal of empathy for them. Glad I read it.
I know what you mean about wanting to slap the characters. That ability to make us feel so deeply with the written word is a gift. When I saw “Dear Evan Hansen,” I felt that way about Evan’s Mother; she wasn’t really seeing him and it made me angry. Then she sang “So Big/So Small” and I could not stop crying, wanting to go up on stage and hug her and tell her how wrong I had been. (No wonder she won the Tony Award.)
I have watched the movie and enjoyed it. The ending is perfect ! Will need to read the book
@Sandra book is much better