"Madame Bovary" is Gustave Flaubert’s groundbreaking novel, first published in 1857. A masterpiece of realism, it tells the story of Emma Bovary, a woman trapped in a mundane provincial life and an uninspiring marriage to Charles Bovary, a country doctor. Desiring romance and luxury, she embarks on a series of affairs and reckless financial decisions, leading to a tragic downfall. The novel is celebrated for its meticulous style, psychological depth, and critique of bourgeois society. Upon its release, it was met with controversy and even led to an obscenity trial, from which Flaubert was acquitted. Today, it remains one of the most influential novels in literary history.
Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880) was a French novelist known for his precise prose and commitment to realism. His works, including "Sentimental Education" and "Salammbô," continue to be studied and admired worldwide.