Sentimental Education

By: Gustave Flaubert

Narrated by: Michael Maloney

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

Frederic Moreau is a law student returning home to Normandy from Paris when he first notices Mme Arnoux, a slender, dark woman several years older than himself. It is the beginning of an infatuation that will last a lifetime. He befriends her husband, an influential businessman, and their paths cross and re-cross over the years. Through financial upheaval, political turmoil, and countless affairs, Mme Arnoux remains the constant, unattainable love of Moreau’s life.

Based on Flaubert’s own youthful passion for an older woman, Sentimental Education blends love story, historical authenticity, and satire to create one of the greatest French novels of the 19th century.

Public Domain (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

When Crimes of Passion Were All the Fashion

Frederic Moreau comes of age in 1840s Paris. Given to flowery fancies of romance, he falls "in love" with Madame Arnoux, a lady at least a decade his senior, and becomes frustrated with the failed revolution of 1848, a Parisian fiasco. Flaubert said he set out to write a "moral history of the men of [his] generation...the history of their feelings... a book about love, about passion... inactive."

I enjoyed the book not so much for the love on verge of coital, a story line that lost its steam about halfway through the novel, but for its lampooning of a decadent, egocentric French society filled with superficial characters given to whimsy, such as the banker Dambreuse, "a man so habituated to corruption that he would happily pay for the pleasure of selling himself." C. Hitchens, “The Rat That Roared,” Wall Street Journal, 2/06/03.

I found Madame Bovary's abbreviated life much more compelling and revelatory than Monsieur Moreau's romantic adventures in pursuit of Madame Arnoux.

Good, needs historical context

This is a remarkably well written book with depth and commentary which will probably take several successive readings for me to parse out. It feels very modern while also painting a very vivid picture of 19th century Paris. You may want to brush up on your French history before tackling this book. It takes place during the years leading up to the February Revolution in 1848.

Flaubert said he wanted to write a moral history of the men of his generation. As he said, "It's a book about love, about passion; but passion such as can exist nowadays--that is to say, inactive." I couldn't say it better myself.

First Flaubert

A beautiful and melancholic story about a wandering young man in search of meaning through the boring and exciting events of day to day life. This was my first book by Flaubert and I will definitely try some more of his work.
RemInded me of Jung’s theory of a man’s relationship with his “anima”.
Also one of the best narrations I’ve heard!

An outstanding performance

The narrator was extraordinarily good. I really enjoyed his rendering. Thanks a lot, Michael Maloney

brilliant narration! very good.

the only thing is that the narration is not entirly synced with the kindle version

Tedious

Normally I like to get my teeth into a 'big' book, but not this time. Far too much rather boring detail of the pathetic emotional career of one of life's losers

Superb

What about Michael Maloney’s performance did you like?

Michael Maloney - a brilliant actor - gives an excellent performance in everything he does, and his reading of this maintains the standard awesomeness we have come to expect from him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The final scene between Frédéric Moreau and his long-time love Madame Arnoux was tender and brought a tear to my eyes. I love the story because it's like a slice of life - nothing contrived or fantastical, but real and all-too-human.

Romantic classic - a tale of frustrated love

Michael Maloney manages to capture in his reading a necessary clarity. He matches Flaubert's transparent prose perfectly with an unmannered reading giving space to consider the story and enjoy the unfolding tale of frustrated love.

Simply, a joy :

This is a wonderful narration by Michael Moloney, had me spellbound from start to finish.

Towering

A stunning novel, with historical sweep and emotional depth. Beautifully read, both dramatic and emotionally nuanced.