Madame Bovary's Daughter by Linda Urbach: A Review

What a fabulous idea for a book! What happened to the ignored, orphaned daughter after her adulterous mother, Madame Bovary, committed suicide? Madame Bovary's Daughter: A Novel of Fashion and Fortune is the story of a daughter determined to distance herself from her infamous mother. Berthe remembers every rosette and bow on her mother's gowns, but no kind words or affection. She carries a photograph of her mother in a gorgeous white tulle gown from place to place, noticing how the seams are placed, how the crystals are attached--a harbinger of better times. Her journey from peasantry to grand society ensues by turns of good luck and her own pluck.After her father's death, Berthe lives with her reticent grandmother. She milks the cow, forklifts hay and is made to replace the maid. Berthe yearns to put the peasant life behind. She dreams of owning a beautiful home with marble staircases, satin cushions, dancing guests and rooms filled with gorgeous gowns. Her mother had insti
lled in her a love of fine fashion, romantic stories, and luxury. Most importantly, she desires "what her mother never had: the love of someone she loved in return." Berthe's grandmother dies when she is thirteen. With no resources or family to turn to, she finds work in a cotton mill.Beautiful Berthe's fortune is changed when she is hired as a lady's maid in a Paris home. She manages to survive in a home where consenting and non-consenting sex abounds. The household is passionate about couture. Despite her lack of experience, she perfects her sewing skills and studies the latest fashions. So begins her training for what ultimately will bring her the most joy.Urbach writes a complex heroine who vows to transcend the mistakes her mother made and claim a happy life. Berthe is deceptive along the way and makes some decisions that will make you cringe. She bears much unfairness and misfortune. Although a complex and fascinating character, she is certainly not a squeaky-clean her
oine. Urbach tends to overuse the technique of telling us about Berthe by comments from other characters. Assumptions of Berthe's expertise flow frequently from people she encounters. We are left to wonder if she knows her own strengths or merely deduces them from their opinions. Finally, Berthe finds herself and seizes her passion. She takes the reins of her journey and discovers that a passionate life can be a life well lived.Established author and screenplay writer Linda Urbach Howard founded Momoirs, writing workshops for and about mothers. Madame Bovary's Daughter is her third novel. She is currently working on a new book, Sarah's Hair, the story of Sarah Bernhardt's hairdresser.The author uses much period detail about weaving factories. Interlaced with the plot are vivid descriptions of Victorian women's apparel. Each gown is easily pictured from the details the author deftly provides. The information about fashion design and the beginnings of retail clothing stores is
fascinating.Madame Bovary's Daughter is great fodder for books groups whose interest in the classics is surging. Urbach weaves memories of Berthe's childhood into the book so a reading of Madame Bovary is not necessary. Reading the French classic, however, will enhance your appreciation of the new release. Comparisons of the two will percolate discussion. An author's interview and questions for book groups are provided.Random House graciously supplied the review copy. All opinions expressed are unbiased and wholly those of the reviewer.Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

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