French Books That Everyone Should Read: Celebrating the French Literary Canon – A Beginner’s Guide

A Journey Through Exploring French Books That Everyone Should Read

I still remember the day I stumbled upon my first French novel. It was in a cramped second-hand bookshop in Brisbane, but when I held it in my hands, I was immediately swept away to Post-Revolutionary Paris, where the scent of old pages mixed with the city’s unmistakable air of history. I had picked up a worn copy of Balzac’s La Comédie Humaine, intrigued by its age and the unfamiliar world it promised to reveal. What began as a casual purchase soon became a gateway into the profound depths of classic French literature. From Balzac to Proust, these works didn’t just tell stories; they offered a window into human complexity, societal change, and the intricacies of time itself.

For anyone starting their journey into famous French literature, the experience is often like mine—overwhelming at first, but ultimately transformative. These French Books That Everyone Should Read have a unique ability to transport readers into other eras while remaining relevant to today’s world. If you’re a beginner exploring French literature, or a writer looking to draw inspiration from the past, this guide will illuminate why these works still matter and how they shape the future of storytelling.

Do you love this image? It is called Au Petit Au Petit Fer à Cheval by Clare Caulfield and is available on Etsy. 

Why French Literature Still Matters Today

When we talk about classic French literature, we’re not just discussing dusty old books on library shelves. These are works that still resonate deeply with modern readers. Authors like Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, and Marcel Proust explored themes that transcend their historical context, from individual freedom to the nature of memory. As I continued my literary journey from La Comédie Humaine to Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, I realized that these books do more than just entertain—they engage the mind and soul in ways that few others can.

Consider Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, which delves into the dissatisfaction of Emma Bovary’s provincial life and her search for excitement beyond her station. On the surface, it’s a story about one woman’s desires and disappointments, but beneath that, it’s a study of human psychology, societal expectations, and the consequences of romanticizing life. For a modern reader, Flaubert’s realism still hits hard, reminding us that dissatisfaction and disillusionment are as relevant today as they were in 1857.

Documenting a Changing Society: The Role of French Writers

French literature has long been a mirror to society. As I immersed myself in more French novels, it became clear that these authors were documenting their world with an unflinching eye. Their works serve as both artistic creations and historical records, providing future generations a glimpse into the complexities of 19th and 20th-century life. Writers like Émile Zola and Honoré de Balzac didn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of society, whether it was class struggle, economic disparity, or political corruption.

Zola’s Germinal, for instance, is a searing indictment of the conditions faced by coal miners in Northern France during the Industrial Revolution. Zola’s naturalism—a literary approach that presents life in an unvarnished, almost scientific manner—makes the novel a poignant reflection of its time. I found myself not only engrossed in the story but also acutely aware of the societal critiques embedded within it. For new readers, Zola offers a compelling case for how literature can serve as both art and activism.

Likewise, Balzac’s La Comédie Humaine—a massive collection of interconnected stories and novels—offers an unparalleled look at the nuances of French society in the 19th century. Through his characters, ranging from the bourgeoisie to the working class, Balzac maps out a world in transition, offering insights into human nature and societal evolution. His work isn’t just a literary endeavor; it’s a sociological study of his time. As a beginner to French literature, these works can seem daunting, but the richness they offer is well worth the journey.

French Literature and the Evolution of the Novel

As I delved deeper into classic French literature, it became clear that these authors were not only chroniclers of their time but pioneers in the development of the novel itself. Marcel Proust and Albert Camus, in particular, pushed the boundaries of what a novel could be. Proust’s In Search of Lost Time remains one of the most intricate explorations of memory and time in literature. His famously long sentences and introspective prose may challenge readers, but they offer an unrivaled insight into the human mind. For me, reading Proust was like embarking on a journey into my own thoughts and experiences—an exercise in self-reflection as much as literary appreciation.

Albert Camus, on the other hand, brought existentialism to the forefront with The Stranger. His exploration of absurdity and meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe still speaks to readers today. While Camus’ work is often framed within the context of post-World War II existentialism, its themes of alienation, freedom, and moral ambiguity resonate deeply in our modern world. Writers today can learn much from Camus’ ability to frame philosophical questions within accessible narratives, allowing readers to engage with complex ideas through simple, yet profound, stories.

What Modern Writers Can Learn from the French Canon

For new writers seeking to create unique and lasting works, the lessons from famous French literature are invaluable. One of the most powerful takeaways from authors like Balzac, Flaubert, Proust, and Camus is the importance of documenting one’s own time. These writers didn’t just tell stories—they captured the essence of their era, creating narratives that would speak to future generations. As a modern writer, I find myself constantly reflecting on this as I craft my own stories, asking how I can document the world I inhabit for future readers.

The French authors also emphasize the importance of innovation. From Proust’s stream-of-consciousness style to Zola’s naturalism, they pushed literary boundaries, offering new ways to explore old themes. Modern writers must take a similar approach—finding fresh ways to tell stories that reflect the complexity of contemporary life. Whether it’s through narrative structure, character development, or thematic exploration, there’s always room for innovation, and the greatest works of French literature offer a roadmap for how to do just that.

What Are The French Books That Everyone Should Read?

The French literary canon remains a vital source of inspiration, reflection, and insight for modern readers. Whether it’s the exploration of universal themes like love, freedom, and identity or the detailed portrayals of historical periods, French books that everyone should read continue to resonate. The works of Balzac, Flaubert, Proust, and Camus transcend time because they tap into the core of human existence, presenting struggles and triumphs that are still relatable today. For instance, Albert Camus’ The Stranger delves into existential questions that continue to challenge our understanding of the self in a chaotic world, making it essential reading even for 21st-century audiences.

French literature is not just relics of a bygone era. These works serve as a reminder that literature has the power to transcend its historical context and provide enduring insights into human nature. Whether you’re a writer looking to develop your craft or a reader seeking timeless stories, these classics remain as relevant today as they were when they were first published.

Top 10 French Books That Everyone Should Read

1. La Comédie Humaine by Honoré de Balzac – A sprawling collection that depicts French society in the early 19th century.
2. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert – A poignant study of a woman’s disillusionment and desires, which was groundbreaking in its realism.
3. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – A sweeping novel about social injustice, redemption, and the human spirit.
4. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust – A multi-volume meditation on memory, time, and self-reflection, considered one of the most important literary works of the 20th century.
5. The Stranger by Albert Camus – A classic of existentialism, this novel explores the absurdity of life and the indifference of the universe.
6. Germinal by Émile Zola – A powerful examination of class struggle and the harsh realities of working-class life during the Industrial Revolution.
7. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas – A thrilling adventure story about betrayal, revenge, and redemption.
8. The Plague by Albert Camus – A philosophical novel about suffering, solidarity, and the meaning of life.
9. The Red and the Black by Stendhal – A novel about ambition, politics, and romance in post-Napoleonic France.
10. Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand – A touching story of unrequited love and wit, celebrated for its lyrical prose.

These French books that everyone should read represent the diversity and depth of French literature, offering readers profound insights into human nature, society, and the complexities of life.

An Online Course in French Literary Greatness

For those intrigued by the lessons these French masters offer, there is an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into their lives and works through the course The Modern Scholar: Giants of French Literature by Professor Katherine Elkins. This course focuses on the literary giants Balzac, Flaubert, Proust, and Camus, providing insight into the attributes that made their works classics. By understanding the contexts in which these authors wrote and the techniques they employed, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the French literary canon and apply these lessons to your own writing. When I listened to it, it was free with a monthly Audible subscription.

The course explores the historical and philosophical backgrounds of works like Balzac’s La Comédie Humaine and Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, showing how these novels reflected their time while influencing the generations that followed. For writers seeking to create literature that resonates both in the present and the future, this course is an invaluable resource.

How French Literature Serves as a Gateway to Russian Literature

One of the fascinating aspects of studying French literature is how it often leads readers to explore the great works of other national literatures, particularly Russian literature. French and Russian literary traditions are deeply interconnected, especially in terms of thematic concerns, narrative complexity, and philosophical depth. By studying French books that everyone should read, readers can easily transition into the works of Russian authors like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, whose novels share similar concerns with existentialism, the nature of society, and the intricacies of the human psyche. I have also undertaken a similar course in Russian Literature and the historical context of the Russian literary canon. Keep your eye out for it in the Courses category.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of French Literature

Returning to my initial experience with Balzac, I now see how that random bookshop find opened a door to a world of literary and personal discovery. French literature, with its rich tradition and groundbreaking innovations, continues to inspire not only readers but also writers striving to capture the essence of their own time. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with classic French literature for beginners or you’re a seasoned reader, these works offer timeless insights into human nature, society, and the art of storytelling.

For modern writers, the path forward is clear: document your time authentically, challenge literary conventions, and learn from the masters. The greatest works of French literature are not just historical artifacts but living texts that continue to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike. To truly appreciate and understand the depth of these masterpieces, consider studying them more deeply through The Modern Scholar: Giants of French Literature, where you’ll find the tools to elevate your own writing.

Just as my journey began with a single, worn-out copy of Balzac, yours may start with a single page—but it will open up a world of infinite literary possibilities.

Thank You for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it insightful. If you did, feel free to leave a comment below, or share it with your friends and followers! Your feedback and engagement mean a lot to me, and it helps keep this community growing.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into topics like this, don’t forget to check out the Donc Voila Quoi Podcast, where I discuss these ideas in more detail. You can also follow me on Pinterest @doncvoilaquoi and Instagram @jessielouisevernon, though my accounts have been shut down before (like my old @doncvoilaquoi on Instagram), so keep an eye out for updates.

For regular updates and new posts delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter and never miss out!