While written in a dry style for our modern sensibilities, with more telling than showing, this is one of the first examples of literature written in a more casual tone. It reads as if a friend is telling you the story, which makes it much more accessible than you'd expect considering how old it is. It's also one of the first works to explore the psychological aspects of the characters, as well as it being considered the first modern French novel. A lot of firsts for such a slim volume!

The story itself is a little boring and overly dramatic and not one I related to at all. Keeping all the members of the royal court straight is a feat in itself as well. But it still manages to pack a feminist punch in its tragic ending, reminding us that women cannot win in the patriarchy, no matter how well they adhere to the rules.

Read this for a book club expecting to give it a 3-star, but I keep thinking about it after finishing it, which is always a good sign.