Gemma Bovery

The brilliant graphic novel behind the major new film starring Gemma Aterton (Quantum of Solace), Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Fabrice Luchini (In the House) and Mel Raido (Spooks)The brilliant graphic novel behind the major new film starring Gemma Aterton (Quantum of Solace), Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Fabrice Luchini (In the House) and Mel Raido (Spooks)Gemma is the bored, pretty second wife of Charlie Bovery, the reluctant stepmother of his children and the bate-noire of his ex-wife. Gemma's sudden windfall and distaste for London take them across the Channel to Normandy, where the charms of French country living soon wear off.Is it a coincidence that Gemma Bovery has a name rather like Flaubert's notorious heroine? Is it by chance that, like Madame Bovary, Gemma is bored, adulterous, and a bad credit risk? Is she inevitably doomed? These questions consume Gemma's neighbour, the intellectual baker, Joubert. Denying voyeurism, but nevertheless noting every change in the fit of her jeans, every addition to Gemma's wardrobe, her love-bites and lovers, Joubert, with the help of the heroine's diaries, follows her path towards ruin. Adultery and its consequences. Disappointment and deception. The English in France. Fat and slim. Then and now.

“"This clever, satirical graphic novel reimagines the Flaubert classic Madame Bovary through contemporary mores and attitudes. . . .”

Truly original, witty and well-observed... A work of genius Sunday Telegraph
A tour de force of comic storytelling -- Roger Sabin Observer
Wickedly funny... This book is so good that one can hardly bear to reach the end Daily Mail
Hilarious... Gemma Bovery deliciously exploits Posy Simmonds' talent for observing, in words and in pictures, the absurdities of daily life among the aspiring metropolitan middle class at home and abroad The Times

Posy Simmonds is the author of many books for adults and children, including Gemma Bovery, Lulu and the Flying Babies and Fred, the film of which was nominated for an Oscar. She has won international awards for her work, including the 2009 Grand prix de la critique bande dessinee for Tamara Drewe and the 2024 Grand Prix at France's Angoulame International Comics festival for a lifetime's achievement. Both Gemma Bovery and Tamara Drewe have been made into successful feature films. Her third graphic novel, Cassandra Darke was published in 2018. She lives in London.

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