Some of the best French modern novels include 'A Very Long Engagement' by Sébastien Japrisot. It's a war - time love story filled with mystery and intrigue. 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry is a beloved novella that has deep philosophical undertones about human nature and relationships. Also, 'I Capture the Castle' by Dodie Smith is set in France and is a charming coming - of - age story with great character development.
One of the best French novels is 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert. It's a classic that explores themes like the disillusionment of a provincial woman in a bourgeois society. Another great one is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It presents an existential view through the character of Meursault, whose indifferent reaction to his mother's death sets off a chain of events. And 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo is also a masterpiece. It depicts the struggles of the poor in 19th - century France, with complex characters like Jean Valjean and the unrelenting Inspector Javert.
Some of the top French novels include 'The Phantom of the Opera' by Gaston Leroux. It has a captivating plot of mystery and love in the Paris Opera House. 'Nana' by Émile Zola is also notable. It portrays the life of Nana, a young woman who uses her beauty and charm to rise in Parisian society. And 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas. It's an exciting adventure story about the friendship and exploits of Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan.
Definitely 'The Charterhouse of Parma' by Stendhal. It has a captivating plot filled with political intrigue, love, and adventure. The characters are well - drawn and the descriptions of Italian society at that time are vivid. Also, 'Germinal' by Emile Zola is a remarkable French novel. It focuses on the miners' strike in the 19th century, highlighting the social and economic inequalities. And 'Nana' by Zola as well, which explores the life of a courtesan in Paris.
A notable modern French novel is 'The Lover' by Marguerite Duras. It's a semi - autobiographical work that tells the story of a young girl's relationship with an older Chinese man in colonial Vietnam. It's beautifully written, with a strong sense of place and time.
Well, one characteristic is complex characters. French detective novels often have detectives with deep psychological profiles. Another is the intricate plots. They usually involve lots of twists and turns, like in Fred Vargas' novels. Also, the settings can be very atmospheric, whether it's the bustling streets of Paris or the quiet countryside. The language used is often rich and descriptive, adding to the overall charm of the stories.
Some modern French classic novels include 'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal. It tells the story of Julien Sorel, a young man trying to climb the social ladder in post - Napoleonic France. It's a study of ambition, love, and the complex social hierarchy of the time. Also, 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo, although written a bit earlier, still has a very modern feel in its exploration of themes like social justice, poverty, and the power of redemption.
Well, 'The Fantastic Planet' by Stefan Wul is a great French fantasy novel. It's set in a strange world with unique creatures and a really imaginative plot. Then there's 'The Three Musketeers' which, while not strictly pure fantasy, has elements of adventure and swashbuckling that gives it a touch of the fantastical. Also, 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind can be considered in a sense as it has a very dream - like and otherworldly quality to it.
One of the best is 'The Perfume' by Patrick Süskind. It's a dark and atmospheric thriller set in 18th - century France. Another great one is 'Tell No One' by Harlan Coben. Although Coben is American, the French - set story is full of twists and turns. Also, 'I'm the King of the Castle' by Susan Hill has a French - like, brooding atmosphere that makes it a great thriller.
One of the best is 'Madame Bovary' by Gustave Flaubert. It tells the story of Emma Bovary, a woman who is dissatisfied with her provincial life and her marriage, and her ill - fated affairs. Another great one is 'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal. The protagonist, Julien Sorel, is a complex character navigating love and ambition in 19th - century France. Also, 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas has elements of romance intertwined with its adventure and revenge plot.
One of the best is 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' by Muriel Barbery. It beautifully weaves the stories of a concierge and a young girl in Paris, exploring themes of class, knowledge, and self - discovery.