In our previous article, 'Discovering French Literature: How Reading Can Enhance Your Language Journey,' we discussed the many advantages of diving into the world of French literature. Today, we're excited to share with you a selection of 6 contemporary French novels that you can enjoy as part of your language learning journey.
While embarking on a novel in a foreign language may initially seem like a daunting task, the sense of accomplishment and pride you'll experience upon completing one is truly rewarding. I vividly recall the moment I finished 'La casa de los espíritus' by Isabel Allende in Spanish. Beyond simply relishing the narrative, I felt a profound sense of achievement.
Choosing the right novel is crucial. Opting for a book that's too challenging might lead to frustration and discourage you from persevering. Once you've made your choice, consider acquiring an electronic version of the book. Reading on an e-reader or tablet offers the convenience of swiftly looking up unfamiliar words. With a French and/or bilingual dictionary at your fingertips, discovering word meanings becomes effortless, and you can review them at your leisure after each reading session.
For an immersive experience, you can also listen to the audiobook while following along with the text. This not only reinforces your reading skills but also enhances your listening comprehension and pronunciation.
So, without further ado, let's delve into the enchanting world of contemporary French literature and discover the stories waiting to be explored on your language learning journey.
French Novels For Lower Intermediate Students (A2+/B1)
Vincent Remède's 'Jus de chaussettes' is a delightful addition to the 'Mondes en VF' series, specially crafted for French learners. This humorous detective story unfolds within the intriguing realm of Parisian computer geniuses.
When a lifeless body emerges from the tranquil waters of Canal Saint-Martin, readers are thrust into a captivating mystery. The victim, a shrewd entrepreneur at the helm of a thriving IT empire, had his fair share of rivals. But did their envy escalate to the point of murder?
Designed for A2-level readers, this engaging tale not only sharpens your language skills but also keeps you entertained with its witty narrative.
Catherine Certitude is a children's book written by Patrick Modiano, a renowned French author, and illustrated by the wonderful Jean-Jacques Sempé. The book is a delightful and whimsical tale that follows the adventures of its titular character, Catherine Certitude, a young girl with a vivid imagination.
Set in post-war Paris, the story is narrated by Catherine herself. She is an imaginative and observant child who sees the world through a unique lens.
While A2-level readers may find some parts of the book challenging due to vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, B1-level readers should be able to read and understand the story comfortably.
French Novels for Intermediate Students (B1-B2)
Petit Pays by Gaël Faye is a novel that takes place in Burundi during the 1990s, against the backdrop of civil unrest and ethnic conflict. It is narrated by Gabriel, a young boy of mixed ethnicity, as he reflects on his childhood and coming of age during this turbulent period.
The novel portrays Gabriel's growing awareness of the ethnic divisions and the violence that ensues. He witnesses the effects of this conflict on his friends, neighbors, and family.
Readers with a strong B1 level may find the text challenging but manageable with the help of a dictionary and some effort.
Readers with a B2 level of French should be able to navigate the text more comfortably and comprehend the storyline and themes without significant difficulty.
La Petite Dernière (The Youngest) is a memoir by Fatima Daas, a French-Algerian writer. The book explores themes of identity, religion, family, and the struggle for self-acceptance.
The memoir is written in the first person and is deeply personal. It revolves around the author's experiences growing up as the youngest daughter in a conservative Muslim family of Algerian descent in France. Daas reflects on her life, her relationships with her family members, especially her sisters, and her journey to understanding her identity as a queer woman.
The novel employs a narrative style that can be complex at times. Motivated B1-level readers with a keen interest in the book's themes will enjoy it with the assistance of a dictionary. However, readers at the B2 level or higher are likely to have a more comprehensive and satisfying reading experience.
French Novels for Upper Intermediate Students - Advanced (B2 - C1)
La Place by Annie Ernaux is a memoir that delves into the author's past and explores themes of class, identity, and memory. The book is a reflection on Ernaux's father's life and the working-class world he inhabited.
Through her unique narrative style, Ernaux paints a vivid portrait of her father, his values, and the societal changes that occurred during his lifetime.
The novel contains complex sentence structures, nuanced language, and a depth of introspection that require a more advanced understanding of French to fully grasp.
L'Échappée belle is a novella written by Anna Gavalda, a popular French author known for her engaging and relatable storytelling. The novella tells the story of two unlikely companions who embark on a spontaneous road trip, discovering themselves and their desires along the way.
The novel features complex narrative structures, sophisticated vocabulary, and a nuanced exploration of characters and relationships. It delves into deeper themes and emotions, which may require a more advanced understanding of the language to fully appreciate.
Of all the things I have mentioned above, I think that choosing the right length and level of book is the most important. However as with anything you get out what you put in! If you challenge yourself and keep going the satisfaction and sense of achievement will be worth it.
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