Books from France
France has a long literary tradition that covers fiction, poetry, mystery, science fiction and memoir. French writers often explore character, society and imagination, and many works from France have found readers around the world. The books below show some of the forms this writing takes.
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Contemporary Fiction
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Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
A novel about a provincial wife in France whose longings and choices shape her life.
- The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. A novel set in a Paris apartment building, told through a concierge and a young resident.
- The Fire Within by Pierre Drieu la Rochelle. A novel about a young man in Paris and his struggle with addiction and purpose.
Mystery & Thriller
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The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
An adventure novel about a man imprisoned unjustly who later seeks revenge.
- The Mystery of the Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux. A detective novel about a locked room crime and the investigation that follows.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
A science fiction novel about a sea voyage aboard the submarine Nautilus with Captain Nemo.
- Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. A science fiction novel about a descent into the Earth and the discoveries made there.
Poetry
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Les Fleurs du mal by Charles Baudelaire
A poetry collection that explores beauty, desire and the city.
- Alcools by Guillaume Apollinaire. A poetry collection that includes verse on travel, love and modern city life.
Memoir & Nonfiction
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The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
A memoir, written after a stroke, about memory, imagination and daily life.
How we choose
These lists start from books Atlas Unread readers can stamp for France. Each title and author is confirmed against Wikidata, Wikipedia or library records before it is listed.