French literature is renowned for its rich history and diverse literary movements, and 2022 was an exciting year for French literature with many new books scheduled for release. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner of French, reading French literature is a great way to improve your language skills while discovering some of the most significant literary works of our time.
Let’s explore ten French books published in 2022 that a learner should read to discover French literature.
- “L’Intranquille” by Gérard Garouste: This autobiographical novel by one of France’s most celebrated painters is a captivating account of the author’s life and struggles with mental illness. The book offers a unique insight into the creative process and the relationship between art and mental health.
- “La Femme aux Cheveux Rouges” by Franck Thilliez: This gripping thriller is set in the world of high-tech espionage and centers around the mysterious death of a young woman with red hair. The book is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- “L’Enfant qui venait d’ailleurs” by Boris Cyrulnik: This memoir by one of France’s most prominent psychologists tells the story of his childhood as a Holocaust survivor and his journey to becoming a leading expert in trauma and resilience.
- “Le Soleil des Scorta” by Laurent Gaudé: This award-winning novel tells the story of a family in a small town in southern Italy and their struggle to overcome poverty and prejudice. The book is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the bonds that connect us.
- “Leurs enfants après eux” by Nicolas Mathieu: Winner of the Prix Goncourt in 2018, this novel follows a group of teenagers in a small town in eastern France during the 1990s. The book is a vivid portrait of a generation and a place, and the challenges they face as they come of age.
- “Le Bal des folles” by Victoria Mas: Set in the late 19th century, this novel is a fictionalized account of the Salpêtrière hospital in Paris, where women deemed “mad” or “hysterical” were confined and treated. The book is a powerful exploration of gender, power, and madness.
- “La Théorie de l’information” by Aurélien Bellanger: This novel is a futuristic exploration of the impact of technology on society, set in a near-future Paris where the digital revolution has transformed the city into a dystopian landscape. The book is a thought-provoking reflection on the consequences of our addiction to technology.
- “Le Consentement” by Vanessa Springora: This memoir is a searing indictment of France’s literary establishment and its complicity in the sexual abuse of minors. The book is a powerful testimony to the courage of the author in speaking out against a culture of silence and impunity.
- “Les Furtifs” by Alain Damasio: This science-fiction novel is set in a near-future France where artificial intelligences known as “furtives” have taken over the streets and the minds of the people. The book is a thrilling exploration of the possibilities and dangers of technology.
- “Leurs Secrets du Bonheur” by Fatou Diome: This novel tells the story of three generations of Senegalese women and their struggles to find happiness and fulfillment in a patriarchal society. The book is a moving and poignant exploration of family, identity, and resilience.
French literature offers a rich and diverse world of literary works that can be both entertaining and educational. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner of French, reading French books