Top 10 French Literature Books You'll Love

French literature is renowned for its richness, depth, and influence. Whether you read them in their original French language or translated, we guarantee that there is a French classic that you will fall in love with. Plus, books are a great way to get to know the French culture and learn the language! How many of these books have you already read?

1. "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo: A monumental epic that explores themes of justice, redemption, and love, "Les Misérables" is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, the story follows the lives of several characters, including the noble-hearted ex-convict Jean Valjean, as they grapple with the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and societal injustice.
   

2. "Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert: Considered a masterpiece of realism, "Madame Bovary" tells the tragic tale of Emma Bovary, a disillusioned provincial woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Seeking escape from the banality of her life, Emma embarks on a series of reckless affairs and indulges in romantic fantasies that ultimately lead to her downfall. Flaubert's meticulous prose and keen psychological insights make this novel a timeless exploration of human desire and discontent.
   

3. "The Stranger" by Albert Camus: A seminal work of existentialist literature, "The Stranger" ("L'Étranger") follows the story of Meursault, a detached and apathetic Algerian Frenchman who becomes embroiled in a senseless murder. As Meursault navigates the absurdity of his existence and confronts the indifference of the universe, Camus raises profound questions about the nature of morality, freedom, and the meaning of life.
   

4. "Swann's Way" by Marcel Proust: The first volume of Proust's monumental seven-part novel "In Search of Lost Time," "Swann's Way" is a lyrical and introspective meditation on memory, time, and the intricacies of human consciousness. Through the narrator's recollections of his childhood in late 19th-century France, Proust delves into the complexities of love, art, and the elusive nature of happiness.
   

5. "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas: A gripping tale of revenge, betrayal, and redemption, "The Count of Monte Cristo" follows the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor unjustly imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. After escaping from prison and acquiring a vast fortune, Dantès assumes the identity of the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo and sets out to enact his revenge on those who wronged him. Dumas's epic narrative and intricate plotting make this novel a timeless adventure classic.
   

6. "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos: A scandalous epistolary novel set in pre-revolutionary France, "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" explores the dark and manipulative games of seduction played by the scheming Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont. Through their exchange of letters, Laclos exposes the hypocrisy and moral decadence of the French aristocracy, while also offering a penetrating critique of gender roles and social conventions.
   

7. "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: A beloved classic of children's literature, "The Little Prince" ("Le Petit Prince") is a whimsical and philosophical fable that appeals to readers of all ages. Through the encounters of the Little Prince with various characters he meets on his interplanetary journey, Saint-Exupéry explores profound themes such as friendship, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life.
   

8. "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo: Another masterpiece by Victor Hugo, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" (or "Notre-Dame de Paris" in French) is a Gothic tale set in medieval Paris. At its heart is the tragic love story of the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo and the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, whose fates become intertwined amid the backdrop of the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Hugo's vivid descriptions and poignant themes of love, loneliness, and social injustice make this novel a timeless classic.
   

9. "The Plague" by Albert Camus: Written in the aftermath of World War II, "The Plague" ("La Peste") is a haunting allegory of the human condition in the face of suffering and adversity. Set in the Algerian city of Oran, the novel chronicles the outbreak of a deadly plague and its profound impact on the lives of the city's inhabitants. Through the characters' responses to the crisis, Camus explores themes of existentialism, solidarity, and the struggle for meaning in a world devoid of certainty.

These are just a few of the many remarkable works of French literature are beloved classics worldwide. Whether you're drawn to tales of romance, adventure, or philosophical inquiry, there's something for every reader to discover and appreciate in the rich tapestry of French literary tradition. Contact us to start learning French that works best for you!

Merci!