Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert)

"Madame Bovary," written by Gustave Flaubert, is a novel about Emma Bovary, a young woman who dreams of a glamorous life beyond her mundane existence in provincial France. Disillusioned by her marriage to a dull country doctor, she seeks excitement through affairs and lavish spending, ultimately leading to her downfall. The novel explores themes of desire, social expectations, and the consequences of seeking a romanticized life. Flaubert's realistic style and attention to detail highlight the complexities of human emotion and the challenges of conforming to societal norms, making it a pivotal work in literary history.