The Greatest French "Historical fiction" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 301 '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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Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 26. Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky

    "Suite Française" is a two-part novel set during the early years of World War II in France. The first part, "Storm in June," follows a group of Parisians as they flee the Nazi invasion. The second part, "Dolce," shows life in a small French village under German occupation. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and survival, and provides a unique perspective on life in France during the war. The book was written during the war but was not discovered and published until many years later.

    The 1875th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. 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 1999th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. 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 2025th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. La Débâcle by Émile Zola

    The novel is a harrowing depiction of the Franco-Prussian War, particularly focusing on the catastrophic defeat of the French at the Battle of Sedan in 1870. It follows the experiences of a group of soldiers and civilians, illustrating the chaos and horror of war, as well as the societal and political turmoil that ensues. The narrative delves into the lives of its characters, exploring themes of fate, human suffering, and the disintegration of order, all set against the backdrop of a nation in the throes of defeat and revolution. Through vivid and unflinching realism, the book presents a critical examination of leadership, the futility of war, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst devastation.

    The 2125th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Les Tragiques by Agrippa d'Aubigné

    "Les Tragiques" is a seven-part epic poem that presents a fierce and violent critique of the French Wars of Religion from a Protestant perspective. The narrative follows the author's experiences and observations of the brutal conflicts, offering a vivid depiction of the atrocities committed by both sides. The poem is both a reflection of personal despair and a call for divine vengeance against the author's perceived enemies. The work is known for its dramatic imagery and emotional intensity, offering a unique insight into one of the most turbulent periods in French history.

    The 2190th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Wandering Jew by Eugène Sue

    "The Wandering Jew" is a captivating novel that follows the intertwined lives of various characters across different time periods and locations. From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the book explores themes of love, revenge, and redemption as it delves into the experiences of a mysterious immortal figure known as the Wandering Jew. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

    The 2237th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. 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 2326th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Heptameron by Marguerite de Navarre

    The book is a collection of 72 short stories presented as a frame narrative, where a group of travelers, stranded by floods at a monastery in the Pyrenees, decide to entertain themselves by each telling a story every day for ten days. The tales, which were inspired by Boccaccio's "The Decameron," explore themes of love, lust, infidelity, and the complexity of human relationships, often with a moral or religious lesson embedded within them. The stories are told by characters from different social backgrounds, providing a rich tapestry of Renaissance life and offering insight into the societal norms and gender dynamics of the time. The work is notable for its candid and sympathetic portrayal of women's experiences and its subtle critique of contemporary mores.

    The 2328th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. 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 2328th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Bells of Basel by Louis Aragon

    "The Bells of Basel" is a novel set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, focusing on three main characters: a revolutionary, a prostitute, and a corporate lackey. Each character represents a different aspect of society, and their stories intertwine to create a rich tapestry of life during this tumultuous period. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and political unrest, offering a biting critique of capitalism and the bourgeoisie.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Under Fire by Henri Barbusse

    "Under Fire" is a gripping first-person narrative of life in the trenches during World War I. The protagonist, a French soldier, provides an intimate and harrowing account of the physical and psychological toll of warfare. The book presents a grim picture of the war, highlighting the camaraderie among soldiers, the horror of the battlefield, the senseless loss of life, and the disillusionment of those who must endure it. The narrative is known for its stark realism and profound anti-war sentiments.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Drunkard by Émile Zola

    This novel follows the tragic life of an alcoholic laundress in Paris and her abusive husband. The narrative explores the devastating effects of alcoholism and poverty on both the individual and their family. Despite the protagonist's ongoing struggle to maintain her dignity and protect her two children, her life spirals out of control due to her addiction, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion. The book is a vivid and stark portrayal of the harsh realities of life for the working class in 19th-century Paris.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Devil's Pool by George Sand

    "The Devil's Pool" is a bucolic tale set in rural France during the mid-19th century. The story revolves around a hardworking widower and his three children. When the widower falls in love with a young shepherdess, their relationship and impending marriage face opposition from the local community, including his own children. The novel explores themes of love, rural life, societal norms, and the struggle between tradition and change.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. 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 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Vice-Consul by Marguerite Duras

    This novel follows the story of three lonely, dispossessed people in Calcutta, India: a troubled former French diplomat, a young French woman haunted by her past, and a poverty-stricken Indian woman. As their lives intersect, they grapple with desire, despair, and the struggle for redemption. The narrative is a complex exploration of colonialism, privilege, and the human condition, told through the lens of these three characters' tragic and intertwined lives.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Manon des sources by Marcel Pagnol

    "Manon des Sources" is a poignant tale set in rural France. It is the story of a young woman, Manon, who lives in the French countryside and discovers that her family's water source has been blocked by two neighboring farmers. To avenge her father's death, which she believes was caused by this act, she decides to withhold the water source from the entire village, leading to a series of tragic events. The narrative explores themes of greed, revenge, and the profound connection between humans and nature.

    The 2437th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. La Nouvelle Héloïse by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    The book is a romantic epistolary novel that explores the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a young noblewoman and her tutor. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century France, the narrative unfolds through letters that reveal the protagonists' innermost thoughts and feelings. Their love, fraught with social inequalities and moral dilemmas, challenges the conventions of their time. The novel delves into themes of nature, emotion, and the conflicts between societal expectations and personal desires, ultimately questioning the possibility of true happiness within the constraints of society.

    The 2631st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Twenty Years After by Alexandre Dumas

    Set two decades after the iconic musketeer adventures, this sequel reunites the legendary quartet amidst the turmoil of a France divided by civil war. The aging heroes, now grappling with personal and political complexities, find themselves caught between loyalties to their past and the inexorable pull of change. As they navigate the treacherous waters of the Fronde, a series of civil wars, their bonds of friendship and honor are tested by shifting alliances, royal intrigue, and the ever-present challenge of maintaining justice and integrity in a world that is rapidly evolving.

    The 2700th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. A Change Of Heart by Michel Butor

    This novel delves into the psychological and emotional journey of a Frenchman who takes up a teaching position in Manchester, England. Struggling with the bleakness of the post-war English landscape and the cultural dissonance he experiences, the protagonist embarks on a profound internal journey. Through his interactions with the city, its architecture, and its inhabitants, he undergoes a transformation that challenges his preconceptions and alters his perception of life. The narrative, rich in introspection and vivid descriptions, explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the possibility of personal renewal amidst the ruins of the past.

    The 2751st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Chatterton by Alfred de Vigny

    The book is a historical novel that delves into the life and tragic fate of Thomas Chatterton, an 18th-century English poet who was posthumously recognized for his talent. The narrative explores themes of artistic integrity, the struggle for recognition, and the impact of societal neglect on creative genius. Through the lens of Chatterton's short and tumultuous life, the novel examines the romantic ideal of the misunderstood and impoverished artist, ultimately providing a critique of the ways in which society both venerates and marginalizes its creators. The protagonist's passionate pursuit of literary authenticity and his eventual despair are depicted with a blend of empathy and melancholy, reflecting on the eternal conflict between the artist's inner world and the external realities of survival and acceptance.

    The 2763rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Song Of The World by Jean Giono

    This novel is a lyrical exploration of the natural world and human emotions, set in the rugged landscape of the French Alps. It tells the story of a young man's journey through this majestic terrain, where he encounters love, friendship, and the raw forces of nature. The narrative is deeply imbued with poetic descriptions of the countryside and philosophical reflections on humanity's place within the natural world. Through its vivid portrayal of the characters' lives and the environment that shapes them, the book celebrates the profound connection between humans and the earth, offering a powerful message about the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

    The 2839th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Verdun by Jules Romains

    This novel delves into the harrowing experiences of soldiers and civilians during one of the most brutal battles of World War I, the Battle of Verdun. Through a vivid narrative, the book captures the chaos, the strategy, and the human emotions swirling around this pivotal confrontation. The author masterfully portrays the resilience and despair of those caught in the crossfire, offering a poignant exploration of war's impact on individual lives and collective memory. The narrative not only recounts the physical toll of the battle but also delves deep into the psychological effects on those who endured it, painting a comprehensive picture of one of history's most infamous conflicts.

    The 2839th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Felix Holt, The Radical by George Eliot

    "Felix Holt, The Radical" is set in a small English town during the time of the Reform Act of 1832, a period of significant political and social upheaval. The novel centers on Felix Holt, an idealistic young man who returns to his hometown with the aim of making a difference in the world through political activism. He becomes involved in local elections, advocating for reform and the rights of the working class. His life becomes further complicated when he falls in love with Esther Lyon, the intelligent and refined daughter of a local dissenting minister. Their relationship, along with the turbulent political landscape, leads to a series of dramatic events that challenge their beliefs and aspirations. The novel explores themes of integrity, social responsibility, and the impact of individual actions on broader societal change.

    The 2935th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Lorenzaccio by Alfred de Musset

    The play is a dramatic tale set in Renaissance Florence, revolving around the character of Lorenzo de Medici, a young, disillusioned aristocrat entangled in the corrupt political machinations of his time. Disgusted by the tyrannical rule of his cousin, Duke Alessandro, and the moral decay of society, Lorenzo hatches a complex plot to assassinate the Duke. His internal conflict and the influence of Machiavellian philosophy drive the narrative, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and the struggle between personal ideals and the harsh realities of the political world. The play ultimately unfolds as a dark, psychological drama that delves into the depths of human nature and the costs of radical action.

    The 3029th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Song of Roland by Unknown

    "The Song of Roland" is an epic poem based on the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 during the reign of Charlemagne. The story revolves around the hero, Roland, and his loyalty to his king, Charlemagne. As a commander of the rearguard of Charlemagne's army, Roland is betrayed by his stepfather, Ganelon, which leads to a disastrous battle with the Saracens. Roland's heroic deeds, his friendship with Oliver, and his tragic death are central to the narrative. The poem is a major part of the medieval European literature, emphasizing the code of chivalry and the duties of a knight.

    The 3269th 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.

Download