[dotsam]

> From today's perspective, it's boring, it's not insightful and the style is excruciatingly dated

From your perspective. From my perspective, Madame Bovary and Sentimental Education are exceptional. Fresh, engaging and psychologically insightful. I would recommend anyone who enjoys reading to try Flaubert.

[BiteCode_dev]

Saying things are all relative and a matter of taste is as strong as a statement that the sky is blue.

[dotsam]

What objective values are you judging it by?

You made a relative value judgement in your comment:

> At the time, given the lack of offer and the standards they had, sure, the books were great.

[BiteCode_dev]

Stating the obvious once again I see.