The Greatest French "Modernist, Fiction" Books Since 1900

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Modernist

Modernist literature is a category of books that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a break from traditional literary forms and a focus on individual experience and perception. Modernist writers experimented with language, form, and structure, often using stream-of-consciousness narration and fragmented storytelling to convey the complexity and ambiguity of modern life. Themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning are common in modernist literature, which reflects the cultural and social upheavals of the time. Overall, modernist literature is a challenging and thought-provoking genre that continues to influence contemporary literature and culture.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

French

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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
  1. 26. Liberty Or Love! by Robert Desnos

    "Liberty or Love!" is a surrealist novel that delves into the passionate and tumultuous affair between a fugitive named Monsieur Louis Aragon and a mysterious woman known only as "the Mourning Dove." Their intense and erotic relationship unfolds in a dreamlike narrative, blending elements of fantasy and reality. The novel challenges traditional notions of love and freedom, exploring the boundaries of desire and the constraints of societal norms. The author's poetic prose and vivid imagery reflect the surrealist movement's fascination with the subconscious and the liberation of the human spirit.

    The 5260th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Anabasis by Saint-John Perse

    "Anabasis" is a lyrical epic poem that explores the journey of human consciousness and civilization through the metaphor of an expedition across vast and varied landscapes. The narrative, rich in imagery and symbolism, follows a group of unnamed travelers as they embark on a quest that leads them through deserts, cities, and spiritual realms. The poem delves into themes of exile, discovery, and the quest for meaning, blending the personal with the universal in a tapestry of language that seeks to capture the essence of human experience and the relentless pursuit of progress and enlightenment.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Mount Analogue by René Daumal

    The book is a novel that combines surreal adventure with philosophical inquiry, telling the story of an expedition to a mysterious, inaccessible mountain that represents a spiritual quest. The mountain, which connects Earth to Heaven, can only be perceived by those who have refined their inner vision. The narrative follows the explorers as they embark on their journey, facing various challenges and revelations that mirror the inner landscapes of human consciousness and the pursuit of enlightenment. As the climbers ascend, the novel delves into themes of reality, symbolism, and the pursuit of the absolute, ultimately leaving the reader with a contemplation of the unattainable peak of human knowledge and experience.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Use Of Speech by Nathalie Sarraute

    "The Use of Speech" is an avant-garde exploration of the subtleties and complexities of human communication, delving into the nuances of spoken interaction. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative dissects the layers of meaning, intention, and emotion that underlie everyday conversations. The book challenges traditional narrative structure and character development, focusing instead on the intricate dance of dialogue and the unspoken undercurrents that shape our social exchanges. With a keen psychological insight, it reveals the depth and ambiguity of language, exposing the ways in which words can both connect and alienate individuals in their quest for understanding and expression.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Baphomet by Pierre Klossowski

    "The Baphomet" is a philosophical novel that delves into the esoteric and mystical aspects of the Knights Templar, exploring themes of transgression, heresy, and the nature of divine presence. The narrative is structured around a series of ritualistic encounters and dialogues among the Templars, who have achieved a form of immortality. The characters engage in complex discussions on the dissolution of individual identity, the fluidity of gender, and the quest for spiritual transcendence. The book blends historical elements with surreal and symbolic imagery, challenging the reader to consider the boundaries of desire, knowledge, and the sacred.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Selected Works by Alfred Jarry

    "Selected Works" by Alfred Jarry is a compilation of the most significant writings from a French author known for his pioneering work in the Absurdist and Surrealist movements. The collection showcases a range of Jarry's literary output, including plays, essays, and novels, with his most famous character, Père Ubu, often taking center stage. Jarry's work is characterized by its satirical edge, inventive language, and the subversion of traditional literary forms. His influence extends beyond literature into the realms of theatre and the visual arts, where his ideas have continued to resonate with avant-garde movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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