Madame Bovary: A Signature Performance by Leelee Sobieski

By: Gustave Flaubert

Narrated by: Leelee Sobieski

One hundred and fifty years ago, Gustave Flaubert set the bar for scandal, adultery, and financial catastrophe with Madame Bovary. Now, Audible Signature Classics presents two-time Golden Globe Award nominee Leelee Sobieski (Joan of Arc) in a singular new performance that highlights the ambiguity behind a brilliantly crafted character: was Emma Bovary depraved or just a victim of circumstance?

This is the story of a beautiful woman who marries a devoted, provincial doctor, but believes she was meant for something more—a life of luxury, leisure, and, above all, true and passionate love. She throws herself headlong into a reckless series of doomed affairs, with tragic consequences, and plunges her family into financial ruin.

Sobieski’s Emma is sultry but vulnerable, offering a sympathetic rendering of the feckless madame and her plight in this cautionary tale of love, passion, and desperation. Will you condemn the madame?

Listen to more one-of-a-kind performances from actors Elijah Wood, Kenneth Branagh, David Hyde Pierce, and more, only from Audible Signature Classics.

Listen to more Audible Signature Classics.

Public Domain (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Paced for an earlier time

I know this book is a classic, but I'm embarrassed to admit that with my twenty-first century attention span, I couldn't get through it. I've also heard that the writing is absolutely gorgeous in French-- but this is the English translation, so something is lost. If you really like novels from that era, I'd say go for it. But if you (like me) actually like contemporary novels, and just like to imagine yourself as someone who would enjoy classic novels, it will probably be a disappointment.

What a beautiful, tragic story showing we all have faults

The story is superb. So much to learn of the times and the follies of humans

Why is this a "Classic"?

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. I found the story somewhat shallow. What's so special about Madam Bovery. She was just a woman who cheated on her husband.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Name the book Monsieur Bovery and tell more of his story. He was the real hero of the story.

Would you be willing to try another one of Leelee Sobieski’s performances?

No. Her reading was annoying. I found her intonations and phrasings were often inappropriate to the events she was reading. It was hard to follow at times.

Did Madame Bovary: A Signature Performance by Leelee Sobieski inspire you to do anything?

I was often inspired to discontinue listening to this book but my curiosity and hope for something unexpected to happen kept me going to the uninspiring end.

Any additional comments?

Was intrigued by the reviews of this book but found it disappointing.

Question

Did she fall, was she pushed or did she jump? how you answer that question defines both you and the book.

excellent timeless story

Modame Bovary is a surprisingly current book. The emotions of love and want are so well articulated. You can really see yourself in the people. The reader is a bit strident in her rendition, which detracts a bit. But the story is fabulous.

A moral tale

This story will certainly make a person think twice about adultery. Kind of like Anna Karenina. It’s good but very French so don’t expect a happy ending.

Honest look at humanity with All it’s mental illnesses

Lots of things to unpack here- many different stories and people going through life with their own proclivities and disorders. You have depression, mania, Catatonia, codependency, obsession, and even a sociopath.

Lackluster reading

This book is on many "must read" lists. I understand that it was groundbreaking, and that it is an important contribution to literature. However, I just found this particular rendition boring. Whether the story, or the performance I do not know. I can't even finish.

Never touch your idols: the gilding will stick

Lessons learned in 300 pages/11 hours: Bored French women are trouble. Men are NOT to be trusted. Doctors don't know jack. If you want your kids to have a good job, raise them to be pharmacists or pawn brokers. Don't buy crap you can't afford. Don't get into debt. If you are going to kill yourself, do it right. Hide your notes. Marry for love.

Oh, and if given a chance to re-read this classic do it. If you can listen do it. If you can close your eyes and listen to Leelee Sobieski narrate, definitely do THAT. Her voice is finished, seductive and smooth as an expensive European chocolate. Whoever chose her to narrate this novel deserves more money and responsibility.

Fantastic!

Leelee Sobieski does a fantastic job drawing you into the characters and storyline. I enjoyed listening to this much more than reading it. I totally recommend it!!!