Here's what I wrote about this read in 2008: "It took quite some online reviewing to recall this novel, another set primarily in Paris, including the February 1848 revolts, and considered to accurately describe Parisian mood of the times. Central to the story is a young man's infatuatiof on older, married woman. Considered very fine, and only slightly secondary to Madame Bovary. Probably a good idea to re-read some day." ( )

una romántica historia llena de emociones, intrigas y aventuras por las que pasa el protagonista para llegar a encontrar el amor ( )

La historia de un ambicioso joven de provincias que se enamora de una mujer casada sirvió a Flaubert para crear uno de los hitos estilísticos de la literatura universal, quizá su obra maestra, sin duda una de las novelas más perdurables de todos los tiempos. En la cubierta del barco que le lleva de París a su ciudad natal, Frédéric Moreau se quedará prendado de la belleza de la señora Arnoux, punto de arranque de las tribulaciones de un joven que sueña con alcanzar fama y fortuna y que, de regreso a París, frecuentará al señor Arnoux para estar cerca de su secreto amor. Todo ello tendrá lugar en un escenario esplendoroso, el París de mediados del siglo XIX, la capital de la burguesía emergente, donde la intensidad del placer se mezcla con el inevitable tedio y el resplandor de uno de los períodos cruciales de la historia europea: la revolución de 1848.

Protagonist Frédéric Moreau becomes infatuated with an older married woman, Marie Arnoux. Moreau is shallow, self-absorbed, and indecisive. Unable to court Madame Arnoux, he forms relationships with three other women (a mistress, a country girl, and a woman of social standing) but has trouble with commitment. He flits from one to another, always returning to his obsession with Madame Arnoux. He cannot decide on a career, vacillating between writer, painter, poet, politician, and lawyer. He is lucky in inheriting money but finds many ways to squander it. He is always searching for love but rarely finding it.

While Flaubert’s characters are not particularly likeable, with a few exceptions, they are believable. Flaubert indicts the moral vacuity of these characters. He infuses the narrative with a strong sense of irony. Published in 1869 and set in France in the 1840s, it covers a turbulent time in French history when events led to the abdication of Louis-Philippe, rise of the Second Republic, and rule by Napoleon III. Unlike many 19th century novels, the prose is not overly elaborate. I am always looking for opportunities to read about period history from those who lived it. I found it surprisingly relevant to today’s world.

Translated from French by Douglas Parmee
Narration by Jonathan Fried
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https://sravikabodapati.blogspot.com/2022/07/sentimental-education-by-gustave.ht... ( )