Trois Contes
by Gustave Flaubert
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 204)
Read in January, 2008
Flaubert's narrative is absolutely incredible. His attention to the details of a life, his attention to the details of a story give so much weight to the character in these stories. You know and understand Felicite so well in a "Simple Heart" and you know so well what she has gone through in life as well as the fact that you know what ends are in store for her but you will cry anyway, and I do not believe that my tears were for sentiment alone. Or in other words, not for my experiences...more
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Read in February, 2007
Of course, the language was way beyond me and I had trouble getting a feeling of the flow since I was reading it so slowly. keeping that in mind...
I admire Flaubert for "la recherche de la mot juste" - he would write and rewrite each line until it was perfect before going on to the next. meticulous. a man after my own heart, in that sense, but stylistically, I just don't like his decisions. I don't really like Realism in general, a...more
I admire Flaubert for "la recherche de la mot juste" - he would write and rewrite each line until it was perfect before going on to the next. meticulous. a man after my own heart, in that sense, but stylistically, I just don't like his decisions. I don't really like Realism in general, a...more
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(Based only on the opening story, A Simple Heart; haven't read the other two yet)
Normally I think of "tear-jerker" as a derogatory term when applied to fiction, in the case of A Simple Heart, it's a compliment. What a sad, touching story, yet Flaubert is far too skillful to make it into something maudlin and manipulative. Instead, he gives you an honest portrayal of a decent woman who endures an increasingly plain and sad life with dignity.
BTW, the parrot in this story became ...more
Normally I think of "tear-jerker" as a derogatory term when applied to fiction, in the case of A Simple Heart, it's a compliment. What a sad, touching story, yet Flaubert is far too skillful to make it into something maudlin and manipulative. Instead, he gives you an honest portrayal of a decent woman who endures an increasingly plain and sad life with dignity.
BTW, the parrot in this story became ...more
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Read in February, 2008
This book was, frankly, awful. I only got through the first tale, but it was clear that the rest would not improve. This is supposed to be Flaubert's "light-hearted" work. Yeah. Right. It's as cross and old and dreary as "The Tell-Tale Heart." It's basically a fast-forwarded life story of a simple servant maid who does nothing special and is specifically stated as being very stupid. She has a stuffed parrot that reminds her of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, she dies, all alone.
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Read in January, 1987
recommended to Antoine by:
Peter Smick
I disliked this book pretty intensely, when I read it in high school. I must admit that it has stayed with me, however, and I realize now that it was almost certainly better than I gave it credit for being. Nonetheless I have no urge to revisit it.
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Read in November, 2005
Quirky stories that are sometimes gripping and sometimes not. I hated the stupid parrot--that story was ridiculous. But the other two stories were unique, filled with powerful images that are still stuck in my head.
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Read in January, 1987
It's all about the parrot.
I don't think it matters just what you read by Flaubert, but read something. I find his short stories wonderful and still remember these ones fondly.
I don't think it matters just what you read by Flaubert, but read something. I find his short stories wonderful and still remember these ones fondly.
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
Humans
I'm rewriting this review two days later. The greatness just hit home. Can you write better short stories than these? I feel like people have been trying in vain for the last 120 years.
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Simple Heart (includes the parrot), St Julian Hospitator & Herodias. Beautiful, vivid tales with a mythical feel - almost epic, which is an achievement given their brevity.
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Read in March, 2007
Flaubert's style is a lot steadier than most of the authors I've read. Couldn't really hold my attention... probably because I'm not used to the genre. (Classlit; 120 pages)
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in April, 2008
Superb piece of work. "Un coeur simple" served as a model for Joyce's "Clay" in Dubliners. To be read and re-read regularly. Delectable writing.
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Short and fascinating. It was sitting on the book vendor's table just down the street, and I picked it up a whim. Worth the time to re-read it.
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I picked this up because I admire Maupassant, and read that he studied under Flaubert. But, I just couldn't get into it. It left me flat.
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Read in July, 2007
I like this old fashioned and descriptive writing style. It's like a thatched cottage, pleasing and simple.
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Read in February, 2008
Great stories I especialy loved "The legend of saint Julian" The entire thing was painted so beautifuly.
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Read in March, 2005
I like the story about the maid. Light and easy reading
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