I have a lot of thoughts about this book and will take time to write them out eventually but here's some teasers.
In summary, I enjoyed this realistic french novel since it provided me a perspective on the world I might not have ever encountered otherwise. Flaubert's style in this novel was engaging and I will consider reading his other works. My professor originally assigned this novel as an examination of how authors protray cities in literature. Flaubert does quite a good job of painting the scene of 19th century Paris, her people, and the events that shape how the city moves and breathes.
At Rice, I took a course T. Doody, PhD taught titled "The City in Literature." This exciting course taught me the historic ideas of what comprised a city along with excellent perspectives on city life including Mrs. Dalloway, Palace Walk, and Satanic Verses. After some time I decided the quick read I gave a few chapters from this book deserved a fuller read.
I would recommend this book if only as it gives a quite complete picture of the life of a well-off man in 19th century france, inspires some dreams of luxe lifestyles that we cannot attain, and as it shows how cruel people can be to one another while still calling each other friends. I did name my cat after Frederic so that bodes well.