Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert

Before the wedding, she has believed herself in love. But not having obtained the happiness that should have resulted from that love, she now fancied that she must have been mistaken. And Emma wondered exactly what was meant in life by the words 'bliss', 'passion', 'ecstasy', which had looked so beautiful in books.

I have finished reading this classic for the first time and understand, as with most 'classics', why it deserves that distinction. Some refer to this book as the first modern novel. The writing is beautifully constructed with exquisite detail paid to each sentence. The characters are classics in literature exhibiting the great themes that cycle forever, but told in a unique fashion.

This book was bold in its time creating much controversy. It is mild by today's standards but still has the ability to capture the reader with timeless themes. The author is a master at crafting a story about real people living real lives. It creates a wonderful portrait of lives in small town France in the 1800s.