I finished reading this a little more than a week ago. I have procrastinated this post just like I procrastinated reading this book each night and for the same reasons. I just did not enjoy the book. And I don't really have too much to say about it. I have a hard time enjoying books with such dislikable characters. It reminded me a lot of Anna Karenina in a way where the leading lady was an unfaithful spouse who is just impossible to root for. Both were well written, but at least Anna Karenina had one likable character. This book had none. The husband has a few moments where you feel bad for him, but even he doesn't have many redeeming qualities. I wanted to like it but just couldn't.
My favorite part of the book by far was the transcript of the real-life trial that took place based on the decency of the book. It was pretty interesting stuff hearing the prosecution's reasonings (which seemed legit based on what appeared to be the laws of the time) and the defenses arguments (which seemed largely to stretch the truth but was the approach they had to take in order to succeed in the case, which they did). The trial was much more enjoyable to read than about lame-o Madame Bovary and her super lame and self-absorbed decision-making.
