For our next stop on our Read the World series, we’re in France! A country famous for its rich literary history, world-class cuisine, iconic fashion, and revolutionary spirit. From the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet charm of the countryside, French culture has inspired countless stories across genres. Not to mention, this is the country that gave us the original story behind Beauty and the Beast- aka the most iconic Disney movie and the reason many of us book lovers dream of having floor-to-ceiling libraries of our own! I mean, how iconic was that scene?! 

So, I’ve picked 10 book recommendations for every reader’s taste and preference. We’re talking epic fantasy, swoon-worthy romance, chilling thrillers, and powerful literature that shaped cultural movements. Such as Simone de Beauvoir’s bold challenge to gender norms and lasting feminist legacy. 

Alors, buckle up for a literary escape to ma belle France, and get ready to say bonjour to your next favorite book!

A Winter’s Promise – Christelle Dabos (Fantasy)

You couldn’t scroll on TikTok for long in 2022-2023 without A Winter’s Promise popping up on your FYP. And for good reason! Floating worlds, mysterious powers, and a heroine who talks to objects- talk about an epic fantasy series.

After a cataclysm called “The Rupture,” the world is split into floating Arks. Ophelia, who can communicate with object souls and travel through mirrors, is promised in marriage to Thorn from the Dragon clan. When she’s forced to leave her home and travel to the Ark of the Pole, the mystery begins. Why has she been chosen? Why must she hide her true identity? Though she doesn’t know it yet, she has become a pawn in a deadly plot.

Ace of Hearts – Morgane Moncomble (Romance)

Coming this September, finally in English, from one of the most popular romance authors to come out of France; Morgane Moncomble. Yay!

Two star-crossed lovers in Las Vegas, betting it all in the high-stakes world of poker. It’s a game of secrets, deception, and revenge.

Rose Alfieri is a lie detector in stilettos, with a sharp eye for body language and a knack for spotting bluffs. Levi Ivanovich, a nightclub owner and poker pro, is on a mission to beat his sworn enemy who destroyed his family. To do so, he needs a secret weapon—Rose. What starts as a professional arrangement soon turns into something neither of them bet on: falling in love. But in a world of lies and manipulation, who will be left standing when the cards are on the table?

My Husband – Maud Ventura (Literary Fiction)

This one is for my literary fiction fans who love Ottessa Moshfegh, Jen Beagin, and Sarah Rose Etter. My Husband is a dark comedy that explores a woman’s gripping and spiralling obsession with her husband over the course of a single week.

At forty, our narrator seems to have it all: a successful career, stunning looks, a beautiful home, two healthy children, and the ideal husband. But after fifteen years together, her devotion to him is laced with doubt. Does he love her as deeply as she loves him? Determined to preserve their perfect relationship, she manipulates and tests him in increasingly disturbing ways.

Lullaby – Leïla Slimani (Thriller)

If you’re a fan of suspenseful, unsettling narratives that explore the complexities of human nature, Lullaby is your go-to novel.

When Myriam, a French-Moroccan lawyer, returns to work, she and her husband hire Louise, the perfect nanny for their two children. Louise is devoted, quiet, and seemingly flawless. But as the family grows more dependent on her, tensions and suspicions rise, leading to a shocking and devastating conclusion.

The Woman Destroyed – Simone de Beauvoir (Fiction)

It wouldn’t be a proper list of authors from France without an honorary mention of Simone de Beauvoir, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, who helped redefine feminism and challenge traditional gender roles.

In The Woman Destroyed, she explores topics of identity, aging, and the complexities of love. The novel is presented through the diary entries of Monique, whose life falls apart after discovering that her husband, Maurice, is cheating on her with a younger woman. Her reflections reveal a heartbreaking mix of self-doubt, guilt, and the overwhelming sadness of living through betrayal. De Beauvoir captures her protagonist’s internal struggle, reminding us of the painful universality of female experience.

A Novel Bookstore – Laurence Cossé (Mystery)

If you’ve ever dreamed of opening a quiet little bookstore in Paris—this one’s for you (but fair warning: it’s not all cozy reading nooks and cappuccinos).

Ivan and Francesca launch a literary utopia, a bookstore that sells only the best books, handpicked by a secret committee. At first, it’s a dream come true—but things take a dark turn when members of that committee begin to suffer mysterious attacks. A compelling, cerebral mystery wrapped in a love letter to serious readers.

Watching Over Her – Jean-Baptiste Andrea (Historical Fiction)

The highly anticipated English translation of one of Jean-Baptiste Andrea’s most popular works, Watching Over Her, will be released on August 25th. Perfect for historical fiction readers, the book beautifully portrays the power of love, art, and perseverance that transcends time and hardship.

In an Italian monastery, sculptor Mimo reflects on his life and his haunting masterpiece. As he recalls his past, from an impoverished childhood to his passionate love for Viola, the daughter of an aristocrat, their story unfolds against the backdrop of war and fascism. Over the years, they lose and find each other again, but their enduring love remains.

In Paris With You – Clémentine Beauvais (Contemporary Romance in Verse)

Because what’s more fitting than a love story set in the heart of Paris?

A bestseller in France following Tatiana and Eugene, former teenage sweethearts who unexpectedly cross paths years later on the Paris metro. What unfolds is a second chance at the love that almost was—full of missed moments, sharp wit, and all the emotional chaos of reconnecting. Bittersweet, lyrical, and deeply romantic.

The Mad Women’s Ball – Victoria Mas (Historical Fiction)

My next recommendation is The Mad Women’s Ball, a powerful debut that was adapted into an Amazon Studios film in 2021.

Set in 19th-century Paris, it tells the story of women institutionalized in the Salpêtrière asylum—not for madness, but for defying the expectations of their gender. At the heart of the novel is the unlikely connection between Geneviève, a skeptical nurse, and Eugénie, a young woman who claims she can see spirits. Together, they push back against a world determined to silence them.

Kisses and Croissants – Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau (YA Romance)

Wrapping up with a sweet and heartwarming YA romance set in the City of Love!

Seventeen-year-old Mia is in Paris for an elite ballet program, determined to secure an audition with a prestigious ballet company. But when Louis, a charming French boy, enters the picture, Mia’s plans take an unexpected turn. As they explore Paris together, Mia finds that sometimes, love and adventure can change everything. Perfect for fans of Love and Gelato, this book is a summer romance you won’t want to miss.

I hope you enjoyed our literary voyage through France! Stay tuned and join us next month as we pack our bags and head to another incredible country. 

À bientôt, mes chéries!