The Greatest French Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 284 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty

    This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of capital accumulation and distribution over the last few centuries. The author argues that the rate of capital return in developed countries is persistently greater than the rate of economic growth, leading to high levels of wealth inequality. The book further suggests that the level of income inequality is not primarily a result of differences in individual labor income but rather the result of differences in capital ownership and the income derived from it. The author proposes a global tax on wealth to prevent soaring inequality.

  2. 2. The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani

    "The Perfect Nanny" by Leïla Slimani is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between a wealthy Parisian family and their nanny, Louise. The novel begins with the murder of the two children in the family by Louise, who had been their caregiver for several years. The story then delves into the events leading up to the tragic incident, revealing the complex dynamics between the family and Louise. Slimani's novel is a chilling portrayal of the blurred lines between love and obsession, and the dangers that can arise when those lines are crossed.

  3. 3. That Time Of Year by Marie NDiaye

    "That Time of Year" delves into the unsettling experience of a Parisian teacher who, while vacationing with his family in a rural village, finds himself trapped when his wife and child mysteriously disappear. As he searches for them, the protagonist encounters the village's eerie customs and secretive inhabitants, who seem to be hiding a chilling truth. The novel explores themes of alienation, identity, and the haunting nature of memory, all set against a backdrop of creeping dread and psychological suspense.

  4. 4. The Heart by Maylis de Kerangal

    This novel delves into the emotional and physical journey of a heart transplant, beginning with a tragic accident that leaves a young man brain-dead and transitioning to the complex process of organ donation. Through a 24-hour timeline, the narrative explores the perspectives of the grieving family, the medical team involved in the transplant, and the recipient of the heart. The story is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the profound connections between humans, highlighting the medical, ethical, and emotional facets of organ donation. The author's meticulous attention to detail and lyrical prose bring to life the intricate realities of this life-saving procedure, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

  5. 5. Un Attieké Pour Elgass by Tierno Monenembo

    "Un Attieké Pour Elgass" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of Elgass, a young Guinean boy, as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a small village. Faced with poverty, cultural traditions, and the desire for a better life, Elgass embarks on a quest to fulfill his dreams and find his place in the world. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, the book explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of human connection.

  6. 6. The Frozen Dead by Bernard Minier

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a high-stakes investigation unfolds in the French Pyrenees when the decapitated body of a horse is discovered hanging at the top of a cable car station. Commandant Martin Servaz, a seasoned but weary detective, is called in to tackle the case, which soon escalates as a serial killer with a disturbingly clinical approach to murder emerges. The trail leads Servaz to a nearby high-security psychiatric asylum, housing some of the country's most dangerous criminals, and forces him to confront his own demons. As the body count rises, the detective must unravel a complex web of clues that challenges his notions of justice and sanity in a race against time to stop the killer.

  7. 7. The Ghost Riders Of Ordebec by Fred Vargas

    In this intriguing mystery novel, a detective is drawn into a small French town's ancient legend when a woman seeks his help to clear her son's name from a murder accusation. The town of Ordebec is haunted by the story of the Ghost Riders, spectral figures who are said to appear and take away the wicked. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a web of local superstitions, family secrets, and a series of puzzling events that challenge his rational beliefs. The narrative masterfully blends elements of folklore and crime investigation, leading to a suspenseful journey that questions the boundaries between myth and reality.

  8. 8. Alex by Pierre Lemaitre

    This gripping novel follows the harrowing journey of a woman named Alex, who is kidnapped and imprisoned in a wooden cage by an unknown assailant. The story unfolds through a dual perspective, intertwining Alex's desperate fight for survival with the relentless pursuit of her captor by Commandant Camille Verhoeven, a diminutive but brilliant detective. As Verhoeven delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers layers of complexity surrounding Alex's past, revealing that she is no ordinary victim. The narrative escalates into a cat-and-mouse game filled with twists and turns, challenging the reader's perceptions of victimhood and vengeance, and culminating in a shocking and unforgettable climax.

  9. 9. The Art Of Losing by Alice Zeniter

    The novel explores the complex layers of identity, belonging, and the legacy of colonialism through the story of a French-Algerian family across three generations. It delves into the life of a young woman who grapples with her grandfather's painful past as a harki, an Algerian who fought for the French during the Algerian War of Independence. As she uncovers her family's history, she confronts the silence and trauma that have shaped their experiences of dislocation and cultural disconnection. The narrative weaves between past and present, revealing the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives and the struggle to reconcile with one's heritage in a modern world.

  10. 10. The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss

    This book tells the true story of General Alex Dumas, a man of mixed race who rose to power in France during the French Revolution. Despite his achievements and contributions, Dumas faced severe racial discrimination and was eventually imprisoned. His life and experiences served as inspiration for his son, who became a famous novelist. The book explores themes of race, class, and the struggle for equality, providing a fascinating look at a lesser-known figure in French history.

  11. 11. The House Of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard

    Set in a post-apocalyptic Paris, this novel weaves a tale of a city devastated by a war in Heaven, now ruled by fallen angels. The narrative centers around House Silverspires, once the most dominant of the magical houses, now struggling to maintain its power. Its inhabitants, including a newly fallen angel, a naive but powerful alchemist, and a mysterious human with a dangerous secret, must navigate the treacherous political landscape, unravel a sinister plot, and confront a malevolent force that threatens to destroy what little they have left. This story combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and Gothic horror to explore themes of power, loyalty, and redemption in a world where beauty and brutality coexist.

Reading Statistics

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Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download