41 pages • 1 hour read
A Simple Heart
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Book Brief
68
Novella • Fiction
Normandy, France • 19th century
1877
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
"A Simple Heart," found in Gustave Flaubert's Three Tales, follows the life of the loving maidservant Félicité from her youth to her death, as she endures numerous personal losses and forms deep attachments, including to her employer's family, her nephew, and a parrot named Loulou. The story explores themes of class power, personal faith, and the omnipresence of death.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
8,075 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gustave Flaubert’s A Simple Heart is lauded for its profound simplicity and rich emotional depth. Critics praise Flaubert's meticulous detail and empathetic portrayal of the protagonist, although some find the narrative slow-paced. Ultimately, it’s a touching exploration of human vulnerability.
Who Should Read A Simple Heart?
A reader who would enjoy A Simple Heart by Gustave Flaubert likely has an appreciation for classic literature, poignant character studies, and rich, descriptive prose. Fans of works like Madame Bovary or Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles will find similar themes of human resilience and emotional depth.
8,075 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Madame Aubain
Madame Aubain
A middle-class woman who employs Félicité and experiences personal suffering while maintaining a strict adherence to social hierarchies.
Virginie
Virginie
Madame Aubain's young daughter, whose genuine affection for Félicité crosses social boundaries and influences Félicité's spiritual development.
Monsieur Bourais
Monsieur Bourais
A middle-class solicitor who manages Madame Aubain’s estate, embodying the appearance of respectability while harboring secrets.
68
Novella • Fiction
Normandy, France • 19th century
1877
Adult
16+ years
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