OUR LIST OF BEST FRENCH BOOKS FOR FRANCOPHILES
- August 8, 2021
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Happy national book lover’s day! I can’t wait to celebrate. All I want to do now is kick back in a comfy chair with a great book, and a French one of course!
Although reading French may seem scary, you can listen to an audiobook along with it to help. And once you start reading French more often, it will only become easier and easier!
It will also become that much more enjoyable. The French language is a beautiful one, and you’ll find that reading the English translation of things does not give you the full picture.
So buckle down with a good French book, and let’s get reading!
Le Petit Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This childhood classic is the perfect entrance into French literature for beginning readers of French, although there are definitely easier children’s books to read.
But this classic has a message that transcends ages and cultures, one that every French person has read and appreciated.
The simple yet poignant story is accompanied by beautiful little illustrations, making it even easier to understand and that much more enjoyable!
Entre les Murs, François Bégaudeau
This modern classic is a semi-autobiographical account of teaching at one of Paris’ inner city schools.
It’s a repetitive book, which makes it relatively easy to read. Its repetitive nature hints at simple changes in the student’s behaviors. It is a bit of a heavy read, though.
There are also many references to slang and idioms, which you can add to your everyday French vocabulary arsenal! And after you finish reading the book, you can watch the film adaptation which received the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival!
Click here to get your own copy!
La Gloire de Mon Père, Marcel Pagnol
This love letter to southern France explores Pagnol’s own childhood, specifically when his family and that of his mother’s sister rented a home in the French countryside and spent the summer there.
Young Marcel’s discovery of southern France will transport you to the rolling hills and hidden caves of the beautiful, rural landscape!
Notre Dame de Paris, Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo is one of the most popular French novelists of all time, and his Notre Dame de Paris is a great place for you to start!
This novel features many interesting, lively characters and is a very entertaining and engaging read!
While the ending will likely surprise those familiar with the Disney version, the general themes are familiar enough for even beginner readers to get a grasp of Hugo’s message!
There’s our list of favorite French books for francophiles and beginner French readers! Let us know if you read any of them by taking a photo and tagging us on Instagram @OuiPlease!
xoxo,
Maria
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