Alright, let's dive in. Sentimental Education, Volume 2 picks up with Frédéric Moreau returning to Paris after years away. He's inherited some money, so he can finally live the artistic, romantic life he always pictured. But instead of charging ahead, he mostly just... floats.

The Story

Frédéric reconnects with his old crowd: the pure-hearted Madame Arnoux, who he idolizes; the cunning businessman Arnoux; his cynical friend Deslauriers; and the sharp, wealthy Rosanette. He tries to be a painter, then a writer, then a politician. He becomes Rosanette's lover while pining for Madame Arnoux, and gets swept into the financial schemes of the Arnoux family. All around him, Paris is boiling with political unrest, which climaxes in the 1848 Revolution. But for Frédéric, these world-changing events are just background noise to his personal disappointments and indecisions. The story follows him through years of half-starts and near-misses, watching his youthful passion slowly fade into comfortable, regretful middle age.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in character study. Frédéric isn't a hero. He's often weak, selfish, and absurd. But Flaubert writes him with such clear-eyed honesty that you can't help but see bits of yourself in him. Have you ever procrastinated on a big dream? Settled for something easier? Let an opportunity pass because you were waiting for a 'perfect' moment? That's Frédéric's entire life. The genius is in the details—the way a party feels stifling, the specific ache of a missed connection, the slow realization that time is passing you by. It's not a plot-driven thrill ride; it's a slow, beautiful, sometimes cringe-worthy autopsy of a misspent life. The writing is crisp and vivid, painting Paris as both dazzling and deeply hollow.

Final Verdict

This is a book for thinkers and feelers. Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven classics like Madame Bovary or The Great Gatsby. It's for readers who don't need a tidy, happy ending, but want a story that feels true. If you're in your 20s or 30s and grappling with ambition and reality, Frédéric's journey will resonate deeply. It's also a fantastic, intimate look at a revolutionary period in history, not from the barricades, but from the sidelines where most of us actually live. Just be prepared to get a little frustrated with the main character—and maybe, in the process, with yourself.