Madame Bovary
Gustave Flaubert
Madame Bovary
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Backgrounds and sources; essays in criticism.
by Gustave Flaubert
The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
The scent of fresh rain mixes with the soft rustle of silk dresses in a quiet country town. Emma Bovary feels a restless longing deep inside, craving a life filled with excitement and love beyond her simple days with Dr. Charles. But as her secret dreams turn into risky choices, her world begins to unravel in ways she never expected.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Madame Bovary tells the story of Emma, a young woman dissatisfied with her marriage to a country doctor, who seeks passion and fulfillment through extramarital affairs. This classic novel explores themes of love, desire, and the consequences of choices, suitable for mature middle-grade readers due to its complex emotional content and depiction of adultery and suicide. Parents should be aware that the book contains adult themes and tragic elements that may require guidance.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780393096088
- Pages
- 462
- Publisher
- Pan Macmillan
- Published
- /1970
- Type
- Fiction