15 best books of French writers
In the nineteenth and twentieth century, French literature rose to a new level. There were many geniuses whose talent still forces readers to travel through the pages of their works, living life with their heroes. The past centuries have given the world such writers as Emile Zola, Gustave Flaubert, George Sand, Victor Marie Hugo, Honore de Balzac. Some were close to philosophy, for example, Albert Camus. These and other authors at that time acted as legislators of literary tendencies, and their works had a serious impact on world culture.
Expertexists of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ present a rating that includes the 15 best books of French writers that deserve the attention of everyone who wants to be considered a literate person.
Rating the best books of French writers
| Nomination | a place | composition | rating |
| Rating the best books of French writers | 1 | Oberman, Etienne Pivert de Senancourt | 5.0 |
| 2 | Albert Camus | 4.9 | |
| 3 | Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas | 4.8 | |
| 4 | Mrs. Bovary, Gustave Flaubert | 4.7 | |
| 5 | Dear friend, Guy de Maupassant | 4.6 | |
| 6 | Outcast, Victor Marie Hugo | 4.5 | |
| 7 | Plague, Alber Camus | 4.4 | |
| 8 | The Phantom of the Opera, Gaston Leroux | 4.3 | |
| 9 | Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett | 4.2 | |
| 10 | Dangerous Liaisons, Chollerlo de Laclos | 4.1 | |
| 11 | Counterfeiters, Andre Gide | 4.1 | |
| 12 | Shagreen, Honore de Balzac | 4.0 | |
| 13 | Countess Rudolstadt, George Sand | 4.0 | |
| 14 | The Legend of Eulenspiegel, Charles de Coster | 4.0 | |
| 15 | Parma Convent, Stendal | 4.0 |
Oberman, Etienne Pivert de Senancourt
Category: French LiteratureBook Rating: 5.0
Roman Senakura is a real confession of the hero's soul. Disillusioned with himself and society, he still remains a dreamer, despite the feeling of endless loneliness. The work was not immediately appreciated by the public, becoming popular only in the heyday of romanticism. Balzac spoke about him, not stinging on praise, and calling him "the most beautiful book of the era." Delacroix and Franz Liszt were also addicted to the novel, considering it one of the best.
The story, published in 1804, tells of a strange man, but with an extraordinary character for his time. He does not know who he is and what he wants; dwells in constant yearning for which there are no visible reasons; without purpose seeks and wanders in the commotion of suffering. His pessimistic moods did not affect philanthropy, but life consisted only of dreams, since, with all the contempt for commonplace and commonplace, Oberman was unable to accomplish the feat due to weak will. The novel cannot boast of a story rich in events, is full of thoughts and arguments on a variety of topics, but because of this it is an excellent example of epistolary prose with many lyrical digressions and philosophical notes.
Albert Camus
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.9
The unusual work of the writer, the Nobel laureate, and now interested lovers of literature with a philosophical bias.In the story, deep, sometimes depressing thoughts are conveyed, but the classic of existentialism has managed to interest readers as well as possible even within such a gloomy atmosphere. The protagonist of the book is a brave man, free, able to die, defending convictions. Meursault is sitting in custody awaiting the death penalty for murder committed by random stupidity. Readers will have to find out what the motives of the executioners who demanded the death penalty are. Perhaps they are judging him for something else - the audacity to remain himself, not obeying the rules of others, remaining a stranger to society.
The story begins with the words: “Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday I don’t know. ” To some it may seem inhuman, but that was the hero - unaccepted by society, causing negative feelings. The author puts him in a situation of extremes, where there is a choice between life and death, which, in turn, should lead to insight. What in the end will choose a "stranger"? The reader will go all the way to loneliness with Meursault, who is among the people, but who hates them, which will be especially vivid at the court hearing.
Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.8
One of the most popular books of the classics excites the minds of modern readers, lovers of adventure novels. Continuations were written for the work, it was screened, and performances and musicals were created. Countless editions of "The Count of Monte Cristo" was released over more than a hundred years of existence. The author draws inspiration by going through the archives of the Paris police. There he found a story about a man, a young Parisian who, due to a joke of his friends, went to prison. This formed the basis of the storyline, thanks to which the world recognized the martyr of the castle of If. Dantes did not wait for justice, deciding to independently administer the court and revenge the enemies that destroyed his happiness.
The protagonist can and can do everything, but even such a noble and talented man can be a criminal. Becoming "straight as an arrow" is difficult. To do this, it is sometimes necessary to cross the line, passing through the thorns, in order to come out again as a pure person. Edmond fate favored. He was happy, naive and innocent. Met with my beloved Mercedes. The father supported and promoted the guy, waiting for the son-sailor from the voyages. In an instant, everything changes, and the envious people who have not been noticed before enter into action. The chain of random events intertwines tightly, allowing the evil plan to come true.
Mrs. Bovary, Gustave Flaubert
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.7
The author entered the world literature as the creator of objective novels, when the writer is above the situation, remaining an impassive observer, not giving the reader his own assessment of what is happening. "Mrs. Bovary" - a vivid example of this genre. Flaber worked on his work for six years, reflecting the true provincial life of the nineteenth century. Dreaming about high life, Emma is only the doctor's wife, so meeting with Rodolph, who owns the estate, but also the famous conqueror of women's hearts, gives hope for a comfortable life in the circles of elites. Feelings overshadow the eyes, leading to an unpredictable outcome.
Emma Bovary suffers all her life, in the assurance that the meaning of existence lies only in love bliss. Even in religion, the heroine does not find happiness. She does not see the sincere feelings of Charles, the dream of knightly deeds described in romance novels. In an attempt to fill the seeming emptiness with bright, but destructive emotions, Emma falls into the trap of a dull marriage, then, languishing in idleness, comes up with falling in love, and losing it, gives in to the craving of passionate love man. For the disingenuous merchant, Bovary turns out to be easy prey, which "is glad to be deceived herself."
Dear friend, Guy de Maupassant
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.6
The novel became at one time a reference book for women of different ages.Today he clearly demonstrates how to seduce women, remaining cool, insensible and self-serving. The mercantile spirit of Georges Dubois puts the hero in a situation where pure feelings are only a means to provide material support for their own lives. He uses deception and manipulation, and also enjoys an attractive appearance to succeed and break into high society, which is quite possible.
Georges enters into an intimate relationship with one or another married woman, giving them passionate pleasures in exchange for earthly goods. The author in the finest detail describes the psychological portrait of the protagonist, explaining certain motives of behavior. Despite all the ugly behavior and cynicism, dear friend - this is the same person as we all do, with its strengths and weaknesses. Maupassant makes everyone think about situations contrary to the desire to condemn.
Outcast, Victor Marie Hugo
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.5
The novel is recognized as one of the best in classical world literature. The names of the heroes of the work - Jean Valjean, Gavroche, Cosette became common nouns. Since the publication of the book, a century and a half has passed, but the number of readers has not decreased, and the novel does not lose popularity. Here you will encounter a kaleidoscope of persons representing all sections of French society of the nineteenth century. They have bright and memorable characters; romance and grotesque are harmoniously combined in them. The plot captures and does not release until the last page is turned. The novel "Les Miserables" was repeatedly screened and appeared on the stage.
The work is a monumental work that spanned fifteen years. The story is full of stories of misfortunes, joyful moments, trials. There are many thoughts of Hugo himself. Although the book is voluminous, over four thousand pages, everyone should read it. The reader will meet many different characters: funny old man Zilnorman; unhappy Cozette with her future spouse Marius; the treacherous innkeeper Tenardieu, poisoning vile deeds with the lives of those around him; police officer Javer, distinguished by principle; desperate convict Javert, forced to go a long way, full of physical and moral suffering; revolutionary dreamers and many others.
Plague, Alber Camus
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.4
The novel parable Camus captures from the very beginning. A small town, where most of the year the gentle sun shines and the life of the locals slowly flows, turns out to be cut off from the rest of the world. Here comes trouble in the guise of death. A terrible disease first drives from the streets of rats, which alarming one old man. Then the others notice the abnormal behavior of animals. Cats disappear after the rats, which were fed by the city dweller, and after that people begin to die, passing through the terrible tortures that plague bears.
A doctor living in Oran, Bernard Rieux, is the first to guess what is happening, but he is even afraid to admit to himself, say the name of the disease out loud. The epidemic, due to which the city is closed for entry and exit, separates families and couples in love. Those who remained outside, because of their departure, are trying to contact their relatives and friends, worrying about their lives, but the management decides to put up security. By transmitting news to each other, people risk spreading the plague further. Attempts to organize an escape end in failure, and the disease is still raging, the streets are empty, restaurants and shops are closing. The work allows you to think about the main thing - that is forgotten in the measured flow of days, months, years - the troubles that fall without warning.
The Phantom of the Opera, Gaston Leroux
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.3
On the strange events taking place in the Paris Opera House, tells the famous novel Leroux.First, the money disappears, then the singer, the number of fatal accidents increases. The piece combines mysticism, adventure and romance. The book was repeatedly screened and staged in the theater, and also popularized by Webber, thanks to the Broadway musical. The Phantom of the Opera narrates selfless and devoted love. This storyline is one of the main ones, it runs through the whole novel with a red thread. The author immerses the reader in the bright opera world. Dreaming of a bigger Ghost, forced to be content with the basement, and yet his talent and amazing voice amaze.
A furious and somewhat insane mystifier, the main character appears where he wishes, suggesting fear and dissolving into the shadows. Jealousy and passion seize this creature with a tragic fate. The more details pop up, the more the reader’s attitude towards the Ghost changes. He is rejected by all, closed inside the opera house, away from light. The desire to live among people remained unfulfilled. Ugliness outside is a tragedy, because the unappreciated becomes the same ugly inside.
Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.2
Beckett's play is a tragic comedy that allows you to look at human nature from the side. We live in anticipation of life, such is a tautology. We are waiting, when we go from school to school, then to the university; when we grow up and become adults; when we get a diploma and get a good job; when we retire. It seems that life is ahead, that the right moment has not come yet, but at this time the most important thing passes by.
The main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, are a reflection of us. They have no idea who Godo is, but they are waiting for him. The play describes two days, but the wait probably lasted until and will last after. They have nowhere to live and nothing to eat, existence is turned into a living hell, but instead of decisive action, they hope for the coming of Godot. Well, how now, he will appear, will come from minute to minute! At some point, Beckett introduces readers to two more heroes, Pozzo and Lakki, the master and the servant. Lucky even thinks on a click, although he is not afraid of the lord. He waited for his Godot, without whom he could not live, because then he himself would have to make decisions and take responsibility.
Dangerous Liaisons, Chollerlo de Laclos
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.1
The brightest novel of French literature remained the only book by Lako, who served as an artillery officer. The work is written in the epistolary genre, so it is recommended to all fans of this. The main characters, Marquis de Mertey and Viscount de Valmont, being in the desire to take revenge on their opponents, come up with a sophisticated plan. They develop an ingenious strategy, embracing the seduction of some innocent Cecil de Volange. A virtuoso game on the weaknesses and shortcomings of human nature is bearing fruit.
Representatives of the beau monde in idle idleness often indulge in intrigue in order to at least fill in time. The marquise not only makes men head spin, dragging one after another into bed, but also knows how to arrange with their hands other people scandals between aristocrats, always remaining out of place in business. Finding a partner as equally immoral person, for whom it does not play a role, who and why to seduce, if only there was a quantity, it goes beyond the limits of what is permitted. The main thing in the novel is not the censure of the villains, but the reader's thoughts about the naivety of everyone around, because it is because of their stupidity that vile deeds have been committed.
Counterfeiters, Andre Gide
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.1
This work is significant not only for the author, but also for the French literature of the twentieth century. The novel predicted motives that later formed the basis for the work of existentialists. The story introduces us to three families, between which the confused relationship.These representatives of the big bourgeoisie are united by crime, destructive passions and vice. It is on such a dirty background that two young people who have been friends since childhood are growing up. Each of them will have to go on their own path, learning to nurture feelings.
In addition to the main narration, the writer includes in the novels the diaries of Edward, the writer, full of reflections on an unwritten work with the same name. At that time, the meta fan was a new genre, but almost immediately fell to the public's liking. Bernard steals a suitcase with all its contents from Edward. Absorbed by the desire to break free, he runs away from home, but in all his strivings insincerity is visible. In general, the actions of all heroes, seemingly generated by good intentions, are false. Readers will find out who the real counterfeiters are - people with false values, who live in permissiveness and impunity, or fraudsters who fake coins.
Shagreen, Honore de Balzac
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.0
The author himself spoke about the work, calling it the starting point of the creative path. The main face of the novel is the man who became the owner of shagreen leather, a powerful talisman who can realize any desire. But what is the price to pay the hero? Ardent young man, Raphael, at the beginning of the road and is unaware of what awaits him in the end.
Witty and attractive, he decides to take advantage of natural data, seducing the fateful Theodore, who belongs to the secular circle. The lady is already known for the ability to break men's hearts, despite the young age. Rafael Theodore uses for the sake of the necessary connections, but the hero does not give up, making new attempts to win favor. Having no money, Rafael earns additionally a piano teacher for his master's daughter, who rents him a place to live. The maiden falls in love with a cynical youth, but he does not notice her mental agony, a dream of wealth, satin sheets and a carefree life. Describing a dramatic love triangle, Balzac in parallel introduces readers to Paris, with its stunning buildings, bridges, gardens, which adds to the book of color and atmosphere.
Countess Rudolstadt, George Sand
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.0
The book continues another work by George Sand, "Consuelo." At the heart of the story is the tragic clash of society and the artist; career, success and a relaxed family life. The famous French singer, Polina Viardot, who, by the way, was the muse of Turgenev, became the prototype of the novel. The book is filled with mysticism and mystery. Here the theme of secret societies, the occult, is revealed.
Consuelo marries and becomes Countess Rudolstadt. She does not know who her father is, and even her mother would not give an answer to this question. Despite the difficult past, when rags were the only clothes, and wanderings were the norm, Consuelo is smart, wise, talented and, most importantly, honest, therefore worthy of love and respect. The story is somewhat similar to what we see in fairy tales. Here the reader meets beauties and monsters, princes and princesses, kings and peasants, witches and sinister dungeons, knights and impregnable towers. Roman scares and teaches. Sand has put into the product the ideas of the new world, society, people - the future to which the heroes are ready to sacrifice their lives, because this is worth the ardent aspirations of the young soul and the decisive will.
The Legend of Eulenspiegel, Charles de Coster
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.0
The Belgian writer became famous for this book, which tells about the hero of the Dutch and German epic. The adventures of Til, the joker, rogue and tramp, accompanied by an owl sitting on his shoulder, now delight readers around the world. Tilya will have to circle around his finger not only peasants and citizens, but also to undermine the foundations of the patriarchal Middle Ages. He is full of independent spirit and strong will, therefore, capable of the most decisive action.The work is included in the series "Classics of world literature."
Hercules, Conan, Kull stand by when comparing with Thiel Ulenshpigel. Eternally young in body and soul, with a sparkling sense of humor, resourceful and sharp-witted, he is able to get out of any seemingly hopeless scrape. He has not a steel, but a titanium rod inside, which can not break anything in this world. Events take place during the time of the Inquisition. King Philip is depicted as a cruel tyrant, accustomed to torturing animals from childhood, burning mice and monkeys alive. This concerns not only Philip - all the characters are exaggerated by the author, so if a negative character, then to disgust, and if positive, then to blind admiration. There is no duality here, but a lot of emotional tension that still attracts lovers of action-packed literature.
Parma Convent, Stendal
Category: French LiteratureBook rating: 4.0
At the author's work was the last of the major. The novel describes the events taking place in Italy of the nineteenth century. It is based on the fate of Fabrizio del Dongo, full of unexpected events and dramatic events. The dynamic plot of the mystery of birth, escape from prison, experiences of passionately in love with each other, betrayal develops against the backdrop of the landmark battle of Waterloo.
The collapse of the illusions of the Italians who dreamed of the independence of their homeland is the reality that is shown by Stendahl in the book. Behind all are tangled love nodes. Hot and young Fabrizio goes to prison for killing her mistress's husband. He started it not just like that, but to hide the connection with the aunt-duchess, the embodiment of beauty. Gina Sanseverina lives in a marriage of convenience with an unloved man, and all for the sake of being close to a married lover. The novel is full of vague intrigue. Only lazy here does not get involved in another adventure, pursuing purely their own goals. This and interesting work, where the threads of many destinations, tangles intertwined into a single lump. Particularly surprised readers unpredictable ending.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
