Category Archives: French Literature

100 Great French Books: From the Middle Ages to the Present by Lance Donaldson-Evans

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Synopsis:
A catalog of Gallic must-reads from Le Chanson de Roland through The Possibility of an Island by Michel Houellebecq.

Review:
100 Great French Books: From the Middle Ages to the Present is such a fine addition to my permanent library. I love lists, especially ones recommending books to me! I will definitely be working my way through this one.

I am no expert on French literature, but author and U. Penn professor Lance Donaldson-Evans was knighted in France for his contributions to spreading French culture and language, so his opinion is probably worth listening to. Maybe the academics will find some hairs to split, but as for me, I’m excited to get reading.

Many thanks to BlueBridge for the review copy.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

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Synopsis:
Bored with her marriage to a dull country doctor, Emma Bovary spins fantasy into adultery and rampant overspending.

Review:

Ooh-la-la! What a great read! I must say I was surprised at how contemporary this novel felt. Written in 1857, Madame Bovary is a psychological tour-de-force. Emma’s story is about much more than adultery, and it’s far more than just a cautionary tale. When Flaubert said, “Who is Emma Bovary? I am Emma Bovary,” he was speaking for all of us. The book shows how simple it is to compromise yourself–whatever your particular vice happens to be–and justify and excuse and eventually spiral out of control. It’s almost like a crime novel, the way Flaubert details Emma’s transgressions and trickery, or like the first half of an episode of “Intervention,” only no one really loves Emma. I found myself feeling sorry for her, and relating to her, and wishing for her to find a way out. This is definitely a new favorite.

Madame Bovary (Bantam Classics)