What can possibly follow Madame Bovary?

[Lovemynailstoday]

I am totally captivated by the book bit almost finished. Thanks to all who recommended it on here as one of the top classics. Any ideas what I can read next that is similar?

[MardyBraWouldDoEddieRedmayne]

Zola's Germinal?

[MardyBraWouldDoEddieRedmayne]

I can't stand Mme B though. I just wanted to give her a good shaking. So maybe I'm it the best person to recommend.

[DuchessofMalfi]

Anna Karenina?

[TomArchersSausage]

Not similar but Therese Raquin by Zola is v good.

[TomArchersSausage]

Actually it is similar in that it's tragic and rather grim.

[LeucanTheMopsis]

Balzac's about the same style, as well.

[WishIdbeenatigermum]

I was going to suggest Thérèse Raquin! In fact all of Zola, esp Germinal, Nana's similar.
Hardy- Tess and the Mayor of Casterbridge.
The rest of Flaubert is not the same- except A Simple Heart.

[anonymosity]

How about Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes, inspired by Mme B itself and a jolly good read?

[Chubfuddler]

The Mill on the Floss
Les Miserables
Tess of the D'urbevilles
Jude the obscure

[Lovemynailstoday]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Will start with the " Parrot " I think! Agree that Mme B can be an annoying character, but the book is so well written (and translated) and so funny in parts. Really enjoyed it.

[AnonymousBird]

Madame B is one of my favourites of all time.

Anna K is hard to beat.

I may just need to re-read BOTH!!

[WishIdbeenatigermum]

There's another Julian Barnes book, 'Staring at the Sun' you should try after Parrot.
What did you like about Mme B? Was it the whole life, or descent, or differentness? She's never slept in another bed has she- that boggled my mind!

[Lovemynailstoday]

What did I like about it? I read it as a fascinating portrait of a spoiled brat of a woman and how her behaviour could be tolerated because of her social rank and position as the doctor's wife. It caught up with her in the end though, so there is a satisfying finale in a sense.

Also, the details of daily life in the 1850s, not something I knew much about. And the pharmacist! What a character. Just glad I gave it a go, really. Some so called classics are lauded, but you do have to wonder what all the fuss is about. I found Mme B very "accessible".

[WishIdbeenatigermum]

I agree the daily details are fascinating. Do try a simple heart and staring at the sun.

[LoopDeLoops]

Dangerous Liaisons