A Simple Soul
A Simple Soul, also known as A Simple Heart is a short story written by Gustave Flaubert and published in 1877.
Set in Flaubert's own time, it chronicles the life of a humble servant in rural Normandy in the 19th century. It is related to another work by the author, Madame Bovary.
Said servant is called Félicité and she is happy despite her humble life and the fact that her love has not been reciprocated.
The story reflects the bourgeois class where Félicité works, which despite not having a very good economic situation, have a servant who is not treated very well.
They ignore the maid's feelings and only consider her useful for housework. Despite this, Félicité overcomes everything and continues with her life despite all the sadness that surrounds her.
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. A Simple Soul by Gustave Flaubert is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading A Simple Soul in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 39
- Reading time
- 1 hour 1 minutes
- Pace
- Intermediate
- First published
- 1877
- Language
- French
- Downloads
- 3,150
149 years later, still timely
Why Read A Simple Soul in 2026?
Flaubert honors a quiet life—its chores, loyalties, and small devotions. The prose is precise; the compassion is enormous.
Today's connection
Care work remains undervalued and essential. This novella teaches attention, gratitude, and the ethics of seeing fully what is often ignored.
Tender clarity
Respect without sentimentality.
Service and dignity
Work that keeps worlds running.
Seeing the unseen
Notice as love.
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About the author
Gustave Flaubert
Surgical prose about desire, illusion, and the cost of precision.
