Product Description

Three Tales offers an excellent introduction to the work of one of the world's greatest novelists. A Simple Heart is set in the Normandy of Flaubert's childhood, while Saint Julian and Herodias draw on medieval myth and the biblical story of John the Baptist for their inspiration. Each of the tales invites comparison with one or other of Flaubert's novels, but they also reveal a fresh and distinctive side to the writers's genius.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #148205 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

Three very different tales of saints
These three tales are very different, yet each gives a different slant on sainthood, or how personal redemption can be reached. In 'A Simple Heart' Flaubert tells the touching story of a life given up to quiet, unquestioning service. In the story of St Julien, dramatic suffering and compassion are required to atone for the great suffering caused. The story of John the Baptist is told from the point of view of Herodias with rich sensual imagery, while the saint himself is a shadowy mysterious figure in the background. Flaubert uses three very different narrative styles for these three compelling stories which invite reading and rereading.