Madame Bovary

Set in 19th-century France, the novel explores the life of Emma Bovary, a woman trapped in a mundane marriage and yearning for romance and luxury. Flaubert delves into themes of desire, disillusionment, and the constraints of societal expectations. Emma's pursuit of an idealized life leads to tragic consequences, highlighting the stark contrast between dreams and reality. This groundbreaking work is renowned for its rich character development and critical examination of bourgeois values.