Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Thanks to everyone who joined for our discussion of Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice. As always, it was a pleasure to see both familiar and new faces, and I hope you all enjoyed the conversation. The next book to read is Madame Bovary (1857) by Gustave Flaubert. Set in provincial France, the novel follows Emma Bovary, the wife of a country doctor, whose longing for passion, luxury, and excitement leads her to seek escape from the ordinary life she finds unbearably dull. As her dreams collide with reality, the consequences become increasingly devastating. A short description of the book reads: Widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written, Madame Bovary is a masterpiece of literary realism. Through its unforgettable portrayal of Emma Bovary, Flaubert explores desire, disillusionment, class, consumerism, and the tension between romantic ideals and everyday life. More than 165 years after its publication, the novel continues to captivate readers around the world. You can read more about the book on Wikipedia, find it on Goodreads, and listen to it as an audiobook on YouTube. One reason Madame Bovary became famous even before it was published as a book was that Flaubert was put on trial for offending public morality because of its portrayal of adultery and its perceived lack of moral condemnation. He was ultimately acquitted, and the trial only helped cement the novel’s place in literary history. There have also been several film adaptations over the years. Perhaps the best known is the 1991 adaptation directed by Claude Chabrol and starring Isabelle Huppert, although the novel has inspired filmmakers for more than a century. For other resources on how to get a hold of classic books, please see the About section on the front page of the group. We meet up on Saturday, August 22nd, at 4 p.m. The location will once again be the Royal Library Garden. During the spring and summer months, we always meet outside here. If the weather turns rainy, we will simply move indoors. Please remember to bring your suggestion for the next classic book to read. Also, if you plan to attend, please remember to click “Attend” on Meetup. Likewise, if you know that you won’t be able to make it, it is very helpful if you update your RSVP accordingly. It makes it easier for everyone to get an idea of how many people to expect. And, as always, please be mindful and respectful of each other, so that everyone feels welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, happy reading/listening/watching — or however you prefer to do it.