Salambгґ
Are you interested in reading for its historical setting, or are you more focused on Flaubert’s literary style ?
Some find the romance between the leads underdeveloped or overshadowed by the excessive descriptions of battles and sieges.
Reviewers frequently note that Flaubert's mastery of language creates a "living" picture of Carthage. However, the book is also infamous for its graphic depictions of blood, death, and "human vices".
While many characters and the war itself are historically grounded, the title character is fictional, and Flaubert heavily romanticized the setting to fit his artistic vision.