Simplify the following text for a Grade 6 native English-speaking person.
Original: Gustave Flaubert ( December 12 , 1821 -- May 8 , 1880 ) was a French writer who is counted among the greatest Western novelists .
Simplified: Gustave Flaubert ( in French ) ( December 12 , 1821 â `` May 8 , 1880 ) was a French writer .