In Gustave Flaubert's "Temptation of St. Anthony," readers are treated to a vivid and surreal exploration of one man's internal struggle with temptation and sin. The novel is a captivating and imaginative journey through the mind of Saint Anthony as he faces a series of otherworldly temptations and trials.

Flaubert's writing is incredibly detailed and poetic, creating a rich tapestry of imagery that brings the fantastical scenes to life. The reader is transported to a world where reality and fantasy blur, making it easy to get lost in Anthony's struggles and triumphs.

The novel's themes of temptation, morality, and spirituality are thought-provoking and profound, offering readers plenty of material to reflect upon long after finishing the book. Flaubert's exploration of the human psyche and the nature of good and evil is both compelling and unsettling, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Overall, "Temptation of St. Anthony" is a masterful work of literature that showcases Flaubert's talent for storytelling and his deep understanding of the human condition. It is a fascinating and gripping read that will appeal to fans of surreal and philosophical fiction.

Book Description:
An extraordinary work of the aesthetic imagination, cast in the form of a psycho-drama detailing the events of one night in the life of the aged hermit, later Saint, Anthony, in the course of which his claims to sainthood are severely tested by, among other things, Gods, Magicians, Science, Food, Monstres, Lust and Death. Beautifully translated by Lafcadio Hearn, justly celebrated for his eerie re-tellings of Japanese ghost stories and legends, it boasts equally extraordinary printworks by renowned symbolist artist Odilon Redon. - Summary by Tony Addison