Educating the feelings

"Education of Sense" by Gustaf Flober is the top of the 19th century European realistic novel, a deep and ironic story of lost illusions, unrealised talents and the growth of the "lost" generation on the background of stormy historical events. The story takes place in France in the middle of the 19th century, before and during the 1848 revolution. In the center of the story is the young Frederick Moro province, who is going to conquer Paris with a dirty heart and ambitious dreams of glory, art and great love. Soon his main life passion becomes irresponsible, romantic love for a married woman, Madame Arna. Years go, Frederick unhappyly wastes his time, state and youth in the waters of secular entertainment, political circles, doubtful financial transactions and past-year novels, so without deciding on the real action. Flober with a thin psychologism and jewelry accuracy explores how conformism, festiveness and sweet dreams replace real life. “Education of Sense” is an honest and sad picture of how human ideals break down about the serrity of the beings, leaving only nostalgia for the so unleashed youth. **About what the book in three words:** Illusions, Dreams, Extinction. **Who to read:** Lovers of classical French prose, lovers of deep psychological novels about adulthood and finding themselves, as well as everyone who is interested in stories about the missed possibilities and subtle movements of the human soul.