Madame Bovary

The story follows Charles Bovary, a lackluster man whose life is dictated by his mother. After a brief marriage to a widow, he encounters Emma, a woman with romantic ideals about marriage. Emma's dreams clash with their mundane reality, leading to a complex exploration of desire and disillusionment. As their lives intertwine, the narrative delves into themes of aspiration, societal expectations, and the consequences of unfulfilled longing.