Read the book reviews and follow our monthly book picks delivered for French learners.
Reading in October 2026
Antigone by Jean Anouilh
Reading suggestions from the book club
Selection of books on French literature. You are going to love adding these books to your bookshelf.
Meursault, Roquentin and the Man Who Sleeps: Three Ways of Saying No to the World
This month in our book club, we immersed ourselves in A Man Asleep by Georges Perec. This short, hypnotic novel—both funny and chilling—led us back to other iconic figures in…
Diving into the Terror: 5 Must-Read Novels About the French Revolution
On July 14, 1789, the storming of the Bastille marked a decisive turning point in French history, becoming a striking symbol of the French Revolution. This event, where the Parisian…
book summary: Lucrèce Borgia by Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo’s 1833 masterpiece transforms the infamous Lucrezia Borgia from Renaissance villain to tragic mother, exploring redemption, morality, and the duality of human nature in this groundbreaking Romantic drama.
Book summary: Mercure by Amelie Nothomb
Discover Amélie Nothomb’s dark thriller Mercure published in 1998 about a nurse who finds a woman trapped on an island, believing she’s ugly when she’s actually beautiful. A twisted tale of lies, control, and freedom with two different endings. A modern take on Beauty and the Beast that will keep you guessing.
Book summary: The marriage of Figaro
Beaumarchais’s 1778 classic, The Marriage of Figaro. Its sharp satire, complex plot, and vibrant energy are born from his adventurous life as a watchmaker, diplomat, and exile. Explore this literary gem.
Where to start reading Marcel Proust?
Marcel Proust is a writer who is feared by many, but it is possible to start reading his writings by going little by little. He began writing these short stories…
The 60 Best Classic French Books Of All Time
Explore the top 60 must-read French books of all time, featuring diverse genres, renowned authors, and significant historical periods.
Book summary: The game of love and chance
The game of love and chance is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, class, identity, and the triumph of the heart over societal expectations. Discover why it is one of the great classics of French literature.