The Greatest French "Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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. 51. W, or the Memory of Childhood by Georges Perec

    "W, or the Memory of Childhood" is a unique blend of autobiographical recollections and fictional narrative. The novel alternates between two storylines: one describing the childhood of a Jewish boy during World War II, and the other detailing a dystopian society on a mysterious island known as "W". The book explores themes of memory, trauma, and the loss of innocence, while also offering a critique of totalitarian regimes. The two narratives gradually converge, revealing the traumatic underpinnings of the protagonist's life and the allegorical nature of "W".

    The 1743rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. The Bridge Of Beyond by Simone Schwarz-Bart

    This novel is an evocative portrayal of several generations of women in Guadeloupe, a tapestry of their joys, sufferings, and resilient spirits against the backdrop of post-slavery Caribbean society. The story centers on the life of Telumee, the last in a line of proud Lougandor women, as she navigates the complexities of love, poverty, and the lingering effects of colonialism. Rich in Creole culture, the narrative weaves together the supernatural with the everyday, creating a lyrical and poignant exploration of the enduring human spirit and the bonds of family, tradition, and heritage that shape our destinies.

    The 1814th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. The Erasers by Alain Robbe-Grillet

    The book is a complex and innovative narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, following a detective who is investigating a series of connected murders in a nameless town. As the detective delves deeper into the case, the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, challenging the reader's perception of time and causality. The novel's structure, characterized by repetitive descriptions and a lack of clear resolution, reflects the themes of uncertainty and the elusiveness of truth, ultimately questioning the nature of existence and the reliability of memory and perception.

    The 1819th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. Asterix the Gaul by Rene Goscinny

    In this comic book, a small Gaulish village in ancient France resists Roman occupation with the help of a magic potion that gives them superhuman strength. The story revolves around the adventures of a brave and clever warrior and his lovable, hefty sidekick. Their adventures are filled with humor, satire, and historical references, as they outwit their Roman adversaries and protect their village from various threats.

    The 1854th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff

    This children's book tells the story of a young elephant named Babar who escapes the jungle after his mother is killed by a hunter. He is discovered in a city by a kind Old Lady who educates him and teaches him the ways of civilized life. Babar eventually returns to the jungle where he is made king of the elephants and marries his cousin Celeste. The tale explores themes of cultural difference, the effects of colonization, and the value of education.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. Malevil by Robert Merle

    Set in the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war, the novel follows a group of survivors who find refuge in a medieval castle named Malevil. The survivors, led by the protagonist, must navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a drastically altered world. They grapple with issues of survival, community, morality, and leadership as they encounter other groups of survivors with different philosophies and intentions. The story is a gripping exploration of human resilience, the will to maintain civilization, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a post-apocalyptic setting.

    The 1907th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. Blue of Noon by Georges Bataille

    "Blue of Noon" is a provocative novel set in 1930s Europe during the rise of fascism. The story follows the life of an Englishman living in Paris, who is embroiled in a self-destructive cycle of sexual escapades and political extremism. His journey takes him through various European cities, where he engages in debauchery and encounters the political turmoil of the time. The book explores themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the human condition, offering a dark and complex portrayal of a man's struggle with his inner demons and the chaotic world around him.

    The 1981st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. The Abyss by Marguerite Yourcenar

    "The Abyss" is a historical novel set in the 16th century that follows the life of Zeno, a physician, philosopher, and scientist. The narrative explores Zeno's journey from his birth in Bruges to his travels across Europe, his experiences during the Inquisition, and his ultimate death in Constantinople. The book delves into the intellectual and spiritual challenges of the Renaissance era, providing a profound exploration of the human condition, the quest for knowledge, and the struggle between faith and reason.

    The 2005th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. Aurélien by Louis Aragon

    "Aurélien" is a novel set in post-World War I Paris, following the life of the protagonist, a war veteran, who falls in love with a woman he sees in a café. However, the woman is already engaged to a friend of his, leading to a tumultuous love triangle. The book explores themes of love, war, and the struggle of the human condition, presenting a vivid picture of the social and political landscape of Paris during the 1920s.

    The 2032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. The Satin Slipper by Paul Claudel

    "The Satin Slipper" is a complex and symbolic narrative that explores the themes of love, faith, and destiny. Set in the 16th century, the story revolves around two characters, a Spanish conquistador and a married lady of the Spanish court, who are deeply in love but are kept apart by their respective duties and responsibilities. Their love story is intertwined with historical events and mythical elements, creating a rich tapestry of human emotions and spiritual contemplations.

    The 2033rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. Second Thoughts by Michel Butor

    "Second Thoughts" is a complex, stream-of-consciousness novel that unfolds during a train journey from Paris to Rome. The protagonist, a businessman, is traveling to meet his mistress, but as the journey progresses, he becomes increasingly introspective and starts to question his decisions. The narrative is nonlinear and fragmented, mirroring the protagonist's mental state, and the novel explores themes of time, memory, identity, and the nature of reality.

    The 2044th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. The First Man by Albert Camus

    "The First Man" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the life of a man named Jacques Cormery, who grows up in poverty in Algeria, loses his father at a young age, and struggles with his relationship with his illiterate mother. The narrative delves into themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, as Jacques attempts to understand his past and his father's life, while simultaneously grappling with the harsh realities of colonial Algeria. Despite the challenges, Jacques remains determined to rise above his circumstances through education and personal growth.

    The 2068th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. Little Nicholas by Rene Goscinny

    "Little Nicholas" is a collection of humorous and heartwarming stories that revolve around the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Nicholas and his group of friends. From pranks at school to family vacations, the book offers a delightful glimpse into the innocent and imaginative world of childhood, filled with relatable anecdotes that will resonate with readers of all ages.

    The 2116th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. The Life Before Us by Romain Gary

    The novel is a poignant exploration of the bond between a young Arab boy, Momo, and an elderly Jewish woman, Madame Rosa, who is a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute. Living in the Belleville neighborhood of Paris, Madame Rosa takes care of the children of other prostitutes, and Momo becomes her protégé and closest companion. Through their relationship, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The narrative, told from Momo's perspective, captures the struggles and the multicultural tapestry of life in a Parisian slum, while also addressing the weight of history and the complexity of identity and belonging.

    The 2204th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. Marivaux: Three Plays by Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux

    "Marivaux: Three Plays" is a collection of three significant works by a renowned 18th-century French playwright. The plays explore themes of love, deception, and class in the context of French society of the time. The characters are often caught in complex situations that test their moral values and emotional resilience, providing readers with a profound understanding of human nature and societal norms. The plays are known for their sophisticated language, psychological depth, and intricate plot twists, making them a classic in French literature.

    The 2206th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. The Horseman on the Roof by Jean Giono

    "The Horseman on the Roof" is a historical novel set in 19th century France during a cholera epidemic. The story revolves around an Italian nobleman who is a member of a secret revolutionary group. He is forced to flee his homeland due to political turmoil and ends up in Provence, where he encounters and falls in love with a beautiful woman. As he travels through the plague-ridden countryside, he faces various trials and struggles, reflecting on the nature of honor, duty, and love.

    The 2331st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. The Last Of The Just by André Schwarz-Bart

    The book is a poignant and harrowing narrative that follows the tragic history of the Levy family over eight centuries, focusing on the lineage of the "Just Men" - thirty-six pure souls in each generation said to bear the sufferings of the world. The story culminates with the life of Ernie Levy, who, despite the encroaching horrors of the Holocaust, maintains an unwavering faith in human goodness. His journey through the ghettos and concentration camps of World War II Europe is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil, as he upholds his family's legacy of compassion until his last breath.

    The 2333rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. Friday by Michel Tournier

    The novel tells the story of Robinson, a European man who becomes the sole survivor of a shipwreck on a remote tropical island. He attempts to create a civilization in his image, but his efforts are largely unsuccessful. When a native named Friday eventually arrives on the island, Robinson attempts to teach him his ways. However, Friday, who is free-spirited and in tune with nature, fundamentally challenges Robinson's worldview. The novel explores themes of colonialism, the nature of civilization, and the tension between individual freedom and societal order.

    The 2361st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. Hell by Henri Barbusse

    This novel is a narrative about a man who finds a hole in the wall of his Parisian boarding house room and begins spying on his fellow boarders. Through his voyeuristic observations, he witnesses a variety of human experiences and emotions such as love, despair, and death. Ultimately, he comes to the realization that people are essentially alone in their experiences and emotions, leading him to a profound existential crisis.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. L'Abbé C by Georges Bataille

    "L'Abbé C" is a provocative novel that explores the life of a Catholic priest who is caught in a web of forbidden love and sexual desire. The story is set in the early 20th century and follows the tormented life of an unnamed priest who is struggling with his religious vows and his illicit feelings for a young woman. This intense psychological novel delves deep into the themes of faith, morality, and the nature of desire, presenting a stark and controversial portrayal of religious life.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. The Day of the Dolphin by Robert Merle

    The book follows a brilliant and dedicated scientist who successfully trains dolphins to communicate in English. His ultimate goal is for them to become the world's first underwater spies, capable of infiltrating enemy territories undetected. However, his plans are derailed when the dolphins are kidnapped for a sinister plot to assassinate the President. The scientist must race against time to save both his dolphins and the President.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. The Roots of Heaven by Romain Gary

    The novel is set in post-World War II French Equatorial Africa and follows Morel, a French environmental activist who is fighting to protect elephants from extinction. Morel's crusade against elephant poaching not only draws the attention of other Europeans living in Africa, but also inspires a range of African characters to join his cause. The narrative explores themes of freedom, nature, and the struggle against colonialism and commercial exploitation.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. Death Sentence by Maurice Blanchot

    "Death Sentence" is a philosophical novella that explores the themes of death, love, and the nature of narrative. The story is divided into two parts, each focusing on a different protagonist who is dealing with the impending death of a loved one. Through their experiences and internal monologues, the novel delves into the complexities of human emotions and the existential dread associated with mortality. The narrative is further complicated by the author's experimental writing style, which challenges traditional storytelling conventions and encourages readers to question their understanding of reality.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau

    This unique book tells the same simple story 99 different ways, each in a different style, voice, or literary form. The narrative is about a man who sees the same stranger twice in one day - once on a bus and later in front of a train station. The book serves as an exploration of the endless possibilities of language and style, highlighting the creativity and versatility of storytelling.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. Arcanum 17 by André Breton

    "Arcanum 17" is a surrealist exploration of love, loss, and resurrection set amidst the backdrop of World War II. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Melusina, the author uses the symbolism of this mythic figure to discuss the role of women in society and the destructive nature of war. The narrative also delves into themes of renewal, rebirth, and the power of the feminine, all while using the surrealist style to blend reality and dream in a poetic and philosophical discourse.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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