Madame Bovary

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Summary: A classic of realistic literature and psychological insight
Review: I was dismayed at the number of readers that simply don't get the point about Bovary. How can words like psycho, ordinary adulteress be used to describe Emma? How can people not perceive the cruel irony that pervades the book, the contrast between dreams and reality, the marvellous correspondences (Vargas Llosa points out accurately that everything in Bovary comes in pairs), the devastating portrayal of XIX century bourgeois French society? I cried aloud when Emma died, not because of arsenic poisoning, but because a callous and selfish world destroys her. Sensitivity for true art is really going downhill in this modern world of ours; it's a sorry sight. Truly, I can't believe you at Amazon decided to classify this book along with the trash that is spewed out of Danielle Steele or Leon Uris' typewriters, only because there were some negative reviews from utterly misguided souls. Shame on you.

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Summary: Consider when this was written
Review: I just want to remind everyone that this was written in a time when the definition of womanhood was how well you married. Of course Emma was undeveloped, when did she have a chance to be? Women were encouraged to define themselves inside a marriage or a family if at all. The novel is more Emma's quest to find herself, and much like Kate Chopin's The Awakening, it only ends in tragedy. Think, people, think!

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Summary: Gee, this was good...didn't expect that
Review: I usually avoid classic literatures, but accidentally ran across this book. Had no clue this book was written decades ago. I thought this was a new novel or something. You'd think a book about an adultress would be outdated, but this was written like it was just published yesterday. For classic lovers, and clasic haters, you have to try this book.

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Summary: I love Madame Bovary
Review: I am shocked in reading the reviews upon seeing Madame Bovary described as stupid and/or selfish. Why do people write these things? I must also make reference to the critique of an acquaintance of mine, who stated that he didn't feel sorry for Madame Bovary (Emma, wasn't it?), ie, he seemed to be saying she got what she deserved. I interpret this latter comment as a product of America, in the sense that it interprets (or rather, sins against) this great work of art by viewing it in moralistic terms. I don't think Emma is stupid or selfish, nor that she deserved in any sense her horrible fate. On the contrary, I love her. Those who fail to love her are I believe lacking in sensibility. They fail to see the universality of this tale, which is properly characterized as an eternal marvel of literature and everlasting work of beauty.

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Summary: wOw!
Review: I would have hated being the husband of this woman. She was a total ditz and had no brain at all...oh wait, she's only a fictional character from a genius of pessimistic works: Gustave. Wow, what was that? Deja Vu or something? Well, that's what a good book can do, make you go nuts in that little compartment in your head.

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Summary: GREAT piece of Literature-highly recommended
Review: It is truely amazing how Gustave Flaubert has developed an idiot of a woman, with the class of society, but the mind of a kindergarten girl. This woman is so giddy and cute that it makes me want to puke at times. I have never read such a weird and whako character before. Overall, the plain texted affair was a refreshing read, and Madame Bovary was so stupid that I ended up laughing at her plottings.

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Summary: Naughty Naughty Emma Bovary
Review: The leading lady in this book is so confusing...but I loved her! So she's a bit of a snob, selfish, and evil in a way...but a tempting female she sure is. Lying to her husband, making out with her husband's clergyman, naughty, naughty woman

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Summary: Emma is Stupid
Review: A stupid housewife who over shops, over entertains, and hiding a life behind a veil. Man, this woman is totally ignorant and so false that it just plain stands out that this has to be one of the most important characters ever created in society today. Well, I'm French, no hurt in bragging a bit, eh?

Rating:
Summary: A Literary Masterpiece
Review: In this excellent work, we meet Emma Bovary and learn of thestruggle one woman can endure throughout life. From being dealt poverty, to her efforts to overcome it, to being "forced" to marry an "archaic" husband. Flaubert gives us a piece of literature that will endure throughout the ages!!

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Summary: stark words stimulate minds
Review: A crash into the absurd world Emma Bovary, is spinning through. Flaubert's use of traditional early 1900's writing style, Madame Bovary is a literary masterpiece, sadly the author's only note-worthy novel. He lightly carves details into the inner hidden actions that corrupts his character slowly through mindless giddy acts. I just love the stark clarity of the words which lead on to a poignant understanding of why this just has to be one of the best books in the world, one that will never become outdated.