“In Search of Lost Time” by Marcel Proust is a deep exploration of memory, love, and society in early 20th-century France. The narrator reflects on his life through memories sparked by small moments, such as the famous taste of a madeleine.
The story moves through salons, summer resorts, and the complexities of relationships, capturing the subtleties of human emotions and social norms.
This novel is one of the longest works in literature: it spans over 3,000 pages and consists of seven volumes. It took Proust over 13 years to complete.
Alexandre Dumas, in collaboration with Auguste Maquet, wrote “The Count of Monte Cristo,” a story about betrayal, revenge, and transformation. It follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor who is falsely imprisoned.
After escaping, he uncovers buried treasure, takes on the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, and sets out to seek justice against those who wronged him. Along the way, secrets are revealed, lives are changed, and his quest for vengeance leads to unexpected consequences.
“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” by Victor Hugo is set in 15th-century Paris and centers around Notre Dame Cathedral. The story follows Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer, and his deep affection for Esmeralda, a kind-hearted gypsy girl.
Through their connection, the novel explores themes like love, rejection, and injustice. The backdrop of medieval Paris plays a big role, with vivid descriptions of the bustling streets and towering cathedral adding to the atmosphere.
“Les Misérables” is one of the longest novels of the 19th century; the original French edition contained around 1,900 pages.
It tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who is released from prison after stealing bread and struggles to rebuild his life while pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the book weaves together the lives of characters like the tragic Fantine, her daughter Cosette, and the revolutionary Marius.
It paints a vivid picture of love, sacrifice, and redemption in a society marked by inequality and unrest.
Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” takes readers to occupied France during World War II.
It follows the lives of two main characters: Marie-Laure, a blind French girl forced to flee Paris with her father, and Werner, a German orphan with a talent for fixing radios who gets drawn into the Nazi war effort.
Their paths cross in unexpected ways in the small coastal town of Saint-Malo, creating a story filled with moments of humanity and survival amidst the chaos of war.
This book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2015.
The novel “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” by Patrick Süskind tells the tale of Grenouille, a man born in 18th-century France with an extraordinary sense of smell. He becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent, which leads him to dark and horrifying acts.
The story explores his journey through the streets of Paris and the countryside, driven by his unsettling ambition to capture beauty in a bottle.
“Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert tells the story of Emma Bovary, a farmer’s daughter who marries a kind but dull doctor, Charles. Emma, dissatisfied with her marriage and rural life, dreams of luxury and romance.
Her desires lead her into affairs and reckless spending, which spiral into tragedy. The book examines her struggles and the gap between her aspirations and reality, painting a vivid picture of life in 19th-century France.
“The Red and the Black” by Stendhal follows Julien Sorel, a young and ambitious man from a poor background. Set in 19th-century France, it explores his rise through society using charm, wit, and deception.
Julien becomes involved with two women, Madame de Rênal and Mathilde de la Mole, whose relationships shape his fate. The story weaves through themes of class, power, and desire.
Alexandre Dumas, with Auguste Maquet, wrote “The Three Musketeers,” a story filled with adventure and intrigue. It follows the young d’Artagnan as he travels to Paris to join the king’s musketeers.
He befriends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, forming a bond with them as they face duels, political schemes, and the dangerous manipulations of Cardinal Richelieu.
The musketeers work together to protect their king and queen, often risking everything in a world of loyalty and betrayal.
The book “A Tale of Two Cities” is famous for its opening lines: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...”.
This novel is (partly) set in France during the French Revolution, and it follows the lives of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a disillusioned English lawyer.
Their fates intertwine against the backdrop of Paris and London as the chaos of revolution unfolds. The novel captures scenes of sacrifice, loyalty, and transformation, with characters facing choices that shape their lives amidst the turbulence.
The “The Accursed Kings” series by Maurice Druon follows the turbulent lives of French royalty during the 14th century. It starts with King Philip IV, known as the Iron King, bringing down the Knights Templar and triggering a curse that seems to haunt his descendants.
The story captures the rivalries, betrayals, and power struggles of a crumbling dynasty, as the throne becomes a battleground for ambition and revenge.
Nicolas Mathieu’s “And Their Children After Them” is set in a small, fading industrial town in eastern France during the 1990s.
The story follows a group of teenagers as they navigate the boredom of their surroundings, the limitations of their working-class lives, and their dreams of escape.
With characters like Anthony, who struggles with his place in his family and his future, the book paints a vivid picture of adolescence and the weight of social and economic realities.
Joanne Harris wrote “Chocolat,” which tells the story of Vianne Rocher, a young woman who arrives in a quiet French village with her daughter. She opens a chocolate shop during Lent, which instantly stirs up tension with the local priest and some of the villagers.
As Vianne introduces her handmade chocolates, she brings warmth and transformation to the town, but not without resistance. The clash between tradition and change drives much of the story.
For those who like movies: this novel was adapted into a successful film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, which was nominated for several Academy Awards.
“La Dame de Monsoreau” by Alexandre Dumas is a historical novel set in 16th-century France during the reign of Henry III. It follows a young nobleman, Bussy d’Amboise, who becomes entangled in political schemes and a dangerous love affair.
The story revolves around his romance with Diane de Méridor, a woman trapped in a forced marriage to the cruel Count de Monsoreau. The novel captures the tension of court intrigue, the struggle for power, and the forbidden love between its central characters.
The book “Le Grand Meaulnes” by Alain-Fournier tells the story of a young boy named François, whose quiet life changes when a mysterious new student, Augustin Meaulnes, arrives at his school.
Meaulnes stumbles upon a strange and enchanting estate while lost, where he encounters a girl who captivates him. This discovery sets off a chain of events filled with longing, chance encounters, and the pursuit of something that always seems just out of reach.
The story captures the bittersweet nature of youth and the powerful pull of memories that refuse to fade.
“Madame Maigret’s Own Case” by Georges Simenon follows Madame Maigret as she stumbles across a curious situation while waiting for a dentist appointment.
She encounters a woman who leaves behind an intriguing bag, which links to a larger investigation involving her husband, Inspector Maigret. The story showcases Madame Maigret’s sharp instincts, as she plays a part in unraveling the mystery.
It offers a closer look at her character and her relationship with Maigret.
“Maigret and the Black Sheep” by Georges Simenon is a detective story featuring Inspector Maigret. In this book, a seemingly mild-mannered man is accused of killing his wealthy aunt.
As Maigret investigates, he begins to uncover secrets about the suspect and his family, revealing a web of lies and hidden motives beneath their outward respectability.
The novel “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah takes place in France during World War II. It tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who navigate life under Nazi occupation in very different ways.
Vianne focuses on keeping her family safe when German soldiers take over her village, while Isabelle risks everything to join the resistance. Their journeys highlight the courage and sacrifices of women during the war.
René Goscinny wrote “Le Petit Nicolas,” a lighthearted story about a young boy named Nicolas and his everyday adventures with his friends, family, and teachers. The book paints an amusing picture of childhood through Nicolas’s innocent and often funny perspective.
Whether he’s dealing with mischief at school or misunderstandings at home, the situations always carry an endearing charm that makes you smile.
The book “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins follows Anna, an American teenager sent to a boarding school in Paris. While navigating a new city and school, she meets Étienne St. Clair, a charming boy with a complicated life.
As their friendship grows, Anna faces challenges, feelings, and decisions that could change everything. The vibrant Parisian backdrop adds to the story’s charm, making it easy to get lost in the streets and emotions.
The book “Bel-Ami” by Guy de Maupassant follows Georges Duroy, a man of humble beginnings who climbs Parisian society with charm and cunning. Through relationships with influential women, he manipulates his way into wealth and power.
The story paints a vivid picture of ambition, betrayal, and the corrupt world of 19th-century Paris.
Honoré de Balzac’s “Illusions perdues” follows Lucien Chardon, a young poet from a small town who dreams of fame in Paris. The story shows his struggles with ambition, the lure of high society, and the harsh world of publishing.
As Lucien faces betrayals and personal failures, the novel paints a vivid picture of ambition and its consequences in 19th-century France.
Alexandre Dumas wrote “The Lady of the Camellias,” a story about Armand Duval, a young man who falls in love with Marguerite Gautier, a famous courtesan in Paris. Their relationship faces obstacles from class differences and societal judgment.
Marguerite struggles between her love for Armand and the difficult choices her past and her illness force upon her. The novel captures the dreamy yet harsh reality of Parisian life.
The book “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans tells the story of a brave little girl who lives in a boarding school in Paris with eleven other girls, under the care of Miss Clavel. Madeline is the smallest, but she’s full of attitude and doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
One day, she has to go to the hospital for an appendectomy, and her adventure there leaves everyone impressed. The story captures a charming glimpse of Paris through Madeline’s fearless and spirited perspective.
Gaston Leroux wrote “The Phantom of the Opera,” a story that takes place in the grand Paris Opera House. It follows the mysterious figure known as the Phantom, who lives hidden beneath the opera house and becomes obsessed with Christine, a young soprano.
While guiding her to fame, he descends into madness, leading to a mix of romance, danger, and betrayal in the opera’s shadowy corridors.
“Bonjour Tristesse” by Françoise Sagan is about a 17-year-old girl named Cécile, who spends a summer on the French Riviera with her widowed father, Raymond. Their carefree life takes a turn when Raymond’s new romantic relationship threatens to disrupt their freedom.
Cécile, deeply attached to her way of life, begins to manipulate those around her, causing tensions and unforeseen consequences. The story captures the mood of youth, love, and the complexities of relationships.
“Germinal” by Émile Zola tells the story of a coal miners’ strike in northern France during the 1860s. Étienne Lantier, an outsider, arrives in the mining town and becomes involved with the harsh lives of the workers.
The novel dives into the brutal conditions in the mines, the growing tensions between miners and the wealthy mine owners, and the desperate fight for change. The struggles of the families and the vivid details of their lives are unforgettable.
Alexandre Dumas wrote “Twenty Years After,” a sequel to “The Three Musketeers.” The story reunites Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and d’Artagnan after two decades. France is torn by political struggles, and the friends find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.
Their loyalty and friendship are tested as they navigate betrayals, danger, and the chaos of the Fronde civil war. The book is packed with daring escapes, secret plots, and the enduring bond between the musketeers.
The novel “Birdsong” by Sebastian Faulks follows the story of Stephen Wraysford, an Englishman navigating life, love, and war in early 20th century France. It moves between his passionate affair with Isabelle, a married Frenchwoman, and the horrors he endures during World War I.
The descriptions of life in the trenches and Stephen’s struggles with loss and survival give a vivid sense of the time and place. Alongside this, the book also includes a connection to later generations, tying the past to the present.
“All Men Are Mortal” by Simone de Beauvoir follows the story of a mysterious man named Fosca, who reveals to a woman that he is immortal and has lived for centuries.
As he recounts his life, his experiences reflect the weight of endless existence, from moments of power and conquest to a sense of despair at the passage of time and futility. The book dives deep into questions of mortality, purpose, and what it means to truly live.
Cécile Aubry wrote “Belle and Sébastien,” a heartwarming story about a boy named Sébastien and his bond with a large mountain dog, Belle.
Set in a small French village near the Alps, the tale unfolds as Sébastien protects Belle from villagers who see her as a threat, while the two navigate challenges together.
Their friendship grows against the backdrop of nature and community tensions, creating a touching narrative of loyalty and courage.
“Chéri” by Colette is a story about a young man named Chéri and his complicated relationship with an older woman, Léa, who has been his lover and confidante for years.
Set in Paris during the early 20th century, the book explores their affair as Chéri is pushed into an arranged marriage, which disrupts their bond and forces them to confront their feelings.
The novel beautifully captures the elegance and decadence of the Belle Époque, painting a vivid picture of Parisian society.
The book “Claudine at School” by Colette takes readers to a small French village where the sharp-tongued and clever Claudine navigates the chaos of her final school year. She deals with eccentric teachers, petty drama, rivalries among classmates, and her own mischievous schemes.
The story captures her rebellious spirit and quick wit as she challenges authority and explores the complexities of growing up in a setting filled with charm and tension.
“Fair Stood the Wind for France” by H. E. Bates tells the story of John Franklin, a British pilot forced to crash-land his plane in German-occupied France during World War II. Injured and unable to escape on his own, he takes refuge with a French family.
As they risk everything to protect him, Franklin grows close to Françoise, the daughter of the household, and the story unfolds around their bond and the dangers they face under constant threat from the enemy.