This novel was scandalous for its time period, and I thought it was interesting to read a book that caused so much commotion about 150 years ago. The illustration of life for a middle class family in the 1860's made me appreciate that I am a woman living in this time period. 
 Overall I thought it was too depressing and I found all of the characters annoying. Part of me sympathizes with Emma, as I can't imagine being in her position and living in that time period. But overall, I think that Flaubert doesn't understand women. He clearly views women as irrational, over dramatic and hopelessly emotional. I think Emma's character lacked a certain depth and her personality was so superficial, that it was hard to take her seriously as a real person. I just could not connect with her character and found the book boring to read.