“Life is not a walk across a field.” Chapter 1 Lavretsky, a middle-aged Russian nobleman, returns to his family estate after years abroad. He reflects on his failed […]
French literature
A Certain Smile
“There are certain smiles that are worth more than all the happiness in the world.” Part One Dominique, a young Parisian law student, is in a comfortable but […]
French literature
Sentimental Education
“The heart, like the stomach, wants a varied diet.” — Gustave Flaubert, Sentimental Education Part One Frédéric Moreau, a young law student from the provinces, travels by boat […]
French literature
Madame Bovary
“Human speech is like a cracked kettle on which we tap crude rhythms for bears to dance to, while we long to make music that will melt the […]