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5 French Books For Beginners You Need To Read

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Albert Camus - 1989-03-28 (first published in 1942)

Goodreads Rating

4.0 (1m)

Philosophy Social Sciences Fiction

Existentialism and the human condition are masterfully explored in this classic novel that follows an ordinary man drawn into a senseless murder. With its profound impact on millions of American readers, it's no wonder why this work remains a timeless masterpiece.

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Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

Short Stories in French for Beginners by Olly Richards

The red and the Black by 1783-1842 Stendhal

Journey to the End of the Night by Louis-Ferdinand Céline

Germinal by Émile Zola

Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda

The Plague by Albert Camus

Bel-Ami by Guy de Maupassant

Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac

Therese Raquin by Emile Zola

The Lover by Marguerite Duras

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo

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The Little Prince

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - 2000-06-29 (first published in 1943)

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (2m)

Fiction Fantasy Children's

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5 French Books For Beginners You Need To Read

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Albert Camus - 1989-03-28 (first published in 1942)

Goodreads Rating

4.0 (1m)

Philosophy Social Sciences Fiction

Featured in 8 articles

15 Best French Novels and Classics to Read if You're a Francophile

10 Mindblowing Classic French Books with Useful Lessons for Learners | FluentU French

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(Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Gustave Flaubert - 2004-01-01 (first published in 1856)

Goodreads Rating

3.7 (329k)

Fiction

A bored and beautiful woman named Emma Bovary longs for passion and escapes her mundane life through romantic fantasies, excessive spending, and eventually, adultery. But her affairs only bring disappointment and devastating consequences. Flaubert's portrayal of Emma caused moral outcry in 1857, with many claiming to be the model for his heroine. A classic tale of unfulfilled desires and the consequences that come with them.

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René Goscinny - 1988-01-01 (first published in 1959)

Goodreads Rating

4.1 (39k)

Fiction Children's Humor

US edition. The day-to-day adventures of an amusing, endearing young school boy....

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The 8 Best French Books for Beginners - Talk in French

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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Jules Verne - 2002-04-01 (first published in 1869)

Goodreads Rating

3.9 (250k)

Fiction Science Fiction Action & Adventure

Dive deep into the mysterious world beneath the waves in this timeless sci-fi masterpiece. Join Captain Nemo on a thrilling voyage aboard the Nautilus, through brilliantly illustrated pages that bring the ocean and its creatures to life. Perfect for young readers, this retelling of Jules Verne's classic tale is a must-read for any adventure seeker.

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5 French Books For Beginners You Need To Read

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The Count of Monte Cristo

Alexandre Dumas - 2003-05-27 (first published in 1844)

Goodreads Rating

4.3 (901k)

Fiction

Experience the thrilling tale of Edmond Dantès, a dashing young hero who is betrayed by his enemies and thrown into a secret dungeon. Trapped in a dank prison cell for years, he miraculously escapes and seeks revenge. Set against the turbulent years of the Napoleonic era, this widely read romantic novel by Alexandre Dumas paints a dazzling, exuberant vision of France that has become immortal. Abridged by Lowell Blair for an engaging and concise read.

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Fiction Historical Fiction

Les Misérables

Victor Hugo - 1987-03-03 (first published in 1862)

Goodreads Rating

4.2 (790k)

Follow the story of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to live an honest life in a community that constantly threatens to reveal his criminal past. Victor Hugo's tale of injustice, heroism, and love illustrates the struggles of redemption and sacrifice, as Valjean fights to protect the daughter of a poverty-stricken prostitute. But as Inspector Javert's relentless pursuit jeopardizes his newfound freedom, Valjean must decide how far he's willing to go to keep his promises.

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Charles Baudelaire - 1983-10-01 (first published in 1857)

Goodreads Rating

4.2 (70k)

Poetry Fiction

This book is a masterwork of French literature that is now available in its complete English translation. It showcases the beautiful poetry written by Charles Baudelaire, one of the greatest writers of his time. With the French texts included alongside the English translations, readers can easily explore and compare the original verses. A must-read for anyone interested in poetry and literary classics.

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Marcel Proust - 1988-03-01 (first published in 1913)

Goodreads Rating

4.1 (59k)

Fiction

This collectible edition in the Penguin Drop Caps series features "P" for a preeminent novel of childhood and sexual jealousy. Swann's Way by an acclaimed author is an incomparable study of human condition and a perfect rendering of life in art. Get lost in the sensitive boy's impressions of family and neighbors brought to life years later by a taste of a madeleine. Perfect to showcase on your shelves or give as an elegant gift.

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Philosophy Social Sciences Fiction

Candide

Or Optimism (Penguin Classics)

Francois Voltaire - 1991-01-01 (first published in 1759)

Goodreads Rating

3.8 (272k)

This enduring classic satirizes Enlightenment philosophy through the misadventures of Candide, a naïve young man taught that everything happens for the best. When he's cast out for loving a nobleman's daughter, Candide endures a series of disasters that challenge his optimism and moral convictions. Voltaire's witty commentary on fanatics and zealots offers a mirror to humanity's moral reformers. Translated by Theo Cuffe and introduced by Michael Wood.

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