"Salammbo" by Gustave Flaubert is a lush, exotic tale set in ancient Carthage during the Mercenary Revolt. The story revolves around Salammbo, the daughter of Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, and Matho, a rebel leader who becomes obsessed with her. Flaubert paints a vivid picture of opulence, war, and religious fervor, blending grandeur with visceral detail. Themes of passion, betrayal, and the clash of civilizations drive the narrative as Salammbo embarks on a perilous mission to reclaim a sacred veil. Rich in sensory imagery and historical depth, the novel explores the tension between spirituality and earthly desires. A masterpiece of literary realism, it immerses readers in a world of beauty, brutality, and doomed love.