Bouvard et Pécuchet by Gustave Flaubert
"Bouvard et Pécuchet" is a satirical novel that chronicles the lives of two Parisian copy clerks, Bouvard and Pécuchet, who decide to retire in the countryside after unexpectedly inheriting a fortune. Their attempts to become gentlemen farmers are thwarted by a series of comical failures. The pair then embarks on a quest for knowledge in various fields such as medicine, literature, politics, and religion, but their efforts lead to more confusion and absurdity. The novel is a critique of intellectual pretensions and a commentary on the futility of human endeavor.
The 590th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 13th on El Pais Favorite Books of 100 Spanish Authors (El Pais)
- 162nd on The 500 best books of all time from Culture Café users (Culture Café)
- The Bigger Read List (English PEN)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)