Madame Bovary (Signet Classics)

I bought the Kindle edition of this book, and was/am pleased with it. Though not sufficiently educated in literature to critique the writing quality, I will say that Flaubert, through the translator from the French, in the mid 19th century, painted a vivid word picture of the trials and tribulations of Emma Bovary. Born on a rural farm and raised by her widowed father, Emma was sent to a convent as a teenager where she received several years of education. After leaving the convent, she married the country doctor, and shortly became extremely unhappy, seeking "love" wherever and with whoever available in the hopes of salving her discontent. She seemingly makes all the wrong choices turning her life into utter disaster.Madam Bovary is a cleverly written story within a story. The story of Emma Bovary ends with her death and the death of her husband. However the second story begins with approximately 25% of the book remaining, and is presented as a separate chapter entitled The Trial of "Madam Bovary." It is not the deceased Madam Bovary who is charged, but author Flaubert and both his publisher and the printer. The prosecution charges all three with writing, publishing and printing material that contravenes French law agains disparaging public morals and the the commonly practiced religion. In the last 25% of the book, the prosecution and defense present lengthy arguments as to why and why not the book violates the law. Each analyzes Flaubers writing and his intent in forming the novel.BEWARE: I am aware of another edition (hardbound) which DOES NOT contain the trial of "Madam Bovary, but simply ends with her death and the death of her husband. When I discussed the book with my friend and spoke of the trial and the detailed arguments of the prosecution and defense, he was amazed. That was not included in the book he purchased.Exceptionally good read.

Over 160 years after its initial publication, there's little I can say about Madame Bovary that hasn't been said a thousand times over--and a thousand times better. However, there are two factors you should consider before buying this book: its relevance to modern readers and the quality of the translation.As far as relevance goes, Madame Bovary is a solid winner. The plot is modern and most of the characters are relatable--not the cardboard cut-outs and talking heads that populate so many other works from the period. From Emma on down the line, each character has strong and weak points, saving graces and idiosyncrasies, and Flaubert feels free to poke fun at them all. (FWIW, he's probably at his best when ridiculing the cure and the pharmacist.)Emma's romantic yearnings will also resonate with today's readers. Her passion for a beautiful, luxe life full of exquisite experiences reminded me of bridezillas and groomzillas who want everything to be perfect on their wedding day--or of inveterate Instagrammers, always in search of that perfect, FOMO-inspiring selfie. Those tendencies are just as annoying today as they were in the 1850s.The novel's ending is melodramatic, but given the great strides Flaubert made in terms of character development, I'm willing to give the guy a pass on the finale. After all, Flaubert was writing at a time when melodramas like The Octoroon were massively popular. (Realism as a movement wouldn't show up for another several decades.) There's only so much groundbreaking one novelist can do.As for the translation, I thought it was great. Flaubert's writing is pretty straightforward to begin with, so Mildred Marmur had an easier time than she would've had with some other writers. But still, it's breezy read, which is good news for folks like me who tend to get lost in the long sentences and outdated references found in many 19th century novels.

the translated writing is probably the most visually inspiring story I have ever read, BUT unlike the comments in the book's forward, this to me is the story of a gold-digging, cheating woman in the 19th century. The comments say she is unfortunate and repressed - nonsense! Also, the abrupt ending is peculiar. However, as I said, the writing style is beautiful and rarely seen anymore.

This is one of those books that always seems to come up in literary conversations, and because I like to be in the know, I decided I would pick it up between college courses and give it a try. I Loved It!!!I was a bit surprised by the introduction to this particular book because the woman who authored it, Robin Morgan, seemed more than a touch pissed off that Flaubert was a sexist ass. In my opinion, as a feminist, it does not matter one bit. This novel is tragic, yes, but beautifully and fluidly written. While Flaubert may have been some kind of jerk (according to Robin Morgan) in his personal and/or literary life, this masterpiece is certainly worthy of praise regardless.Sure, the characters are unlikable...and that is putting it nicely...but I cannot, in any way, say that they are unbelievable. Emma Bovary, AND her husband Charles, are fatally flawed...but such is the world we live in. Nobody is perfect and this novel is a testament to the fact.This is a quick read, and again, it is, in my opinion, expertly and beautifully written. I am just miffed that I waited so long to dive into it! Highly recommended.

Three stars -- 2 stars for reading the book alone, but a high five for Book Clubs. I would never have gotten through this book if I was reading it on my own. It was dry in places, had many names to keep track of, and areas that just were maddening. But we read it in a book club, meeting at several intervals in the book. The discussions that ensued were probably more interesting and lively than for any other book we've read. I am so glad I read it, but also so glad I had others to work through some group interpretations of events.

Great book and great customer service! Promptly shipped, the book is as described, leather bound and gilt-edged. Seller answered a question I had within 24 hours. Good service.

fast delivery and great product

The only issue I had was every few pages some words were blurry or faded.I really like the cover and it's a sturdy book.

It is okay, but it is kind of boring book.