Whatever your resolutions for the new year, carving out time for reading should always rank high on your list. With its rich history spanning from Alexandre Dumas, to today’s contemporary authors, French literature offers a peek into culture, imagination, and intellectual exploration. France takes immense pride in its literary heritage, with publishing houses like the elegantly minimalist Les Éditions de Minuit and other boutique publishers creating editions that are as aesthetically pleasing to hold as they are to read.
At Frenchly, we’ve been diving into the literary scene and curated our very own petit book club of must-reads for 2025. These selections, most of which (or their English translations) were published in late 2024, make it easy to indulge in modern French storytelling brilliance. Prepare to expand your mind and immerse yourself in these excellent reads.
5 Exciting French Reads Translated into English
1. Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century by Simon Kuper
Simon Kuper’s keen observations on life and culture (often in France) are frequently featured in his Financial Times column. His latest book, Impossible City, blends memoir with sharp social commentary. Kuper, a British-French writer and journalist, reflects on his move to Paris two decades ago, sharing personal anecdotes about buying a Parisian apartment when that was still within reach, alongside snapshots of daily Parisian life. His reporting explores themes of educational and political elitism, religion, housing, and urban challenges, all delivered with his characteristic wit and insight. At the same time, some typical French clichés make the book light and easy to read. The sections on Macron’s political ascent are particularly compelling.
2. The Mystery Guest: A True Story (McNally Editions) by Grégoire Bouillier
Grégoire Bouillier’s recent rise in the French literary world can be attributed to his remarkable ability to combine raw emotional introspection and philosophical depth. His works resonate deeply with readers who seek narratives that unravel the complexities of everyday life, revealing both universal and profoundly personal themes. The Mystery Guest: A True Story is a great example of his writing style and literary genius. This memoir delves into memory, heartbreak, and existential musings, recounting a surreal evening when Bouillier, unexpectedly invited to a dinner party by an ex-lover, transforms an ordinary event into a profound reflection on life’s unpredictability and the human condition. The book’s cover is charming in both versions: the French edition features a wine bottle, while the 2024 English translation includes a red wine glass imprint.
3. The New French Look (Style Study, 1) by Lauren Li
Have you ever noticed that je ne sais quoi in French style, storied and new, that never seems to feel out-of-date? Lauren Li’s The New French Look (Style Study, 1) captures the ever-evolving essence of French style. Through sharp analysis, Li explores how contemporary French aesthetics fuse tradition, innovation, and cultural nuance, offering a fresh perspective on what makes French design so enduringly iconic. This first installment in the Style Study series covers fashion, interiors, and lifestyle, showcasing how France’s approach to beauty continues to shape global trends. Li shows how today’s creatives redefine the French look with bold experimentation and a commitment to sustainability, while remaining rooted in the country’s savoir-faire. A must-read for design enthusiasts or anyone captivated by French elegance, The New French Look offers insightful commentary and striking visuals—making it a perfect addition to your coffee table, or a thoughtful gift for those passionate about style.
4. Two Years’ Vacation: A New Translation by Jules Verne
Jules Verne’s Two Years’ Vacation (a new translation, released in January 2025) offers a fresh take on one of the author’s classic novels, originally published in 1888. Renowned for his visionary tales of exploration and discovery, Verne’s novel follows a group of young boys shipwrecked on a remote island, where they must navigate survival, leadership, and isolation. This new translation revitalizes Verne’s timeless narrative, providing a more accessible version of a story filled with adventure, resourcefulness, and youthful resilience. As with many of Verne’s works, Two Years’ Vacation explores scientific curiosity through thrilling escapades, while diving into themes of independence and human strength. With its charming vintage-style cover, Two Years’ Vacation captures the imagination of today’s readers, while preserving the excitement and allure of Verne’s original storytelling.
5. The Silence of the Choir by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr
Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, renowned as “the most promising Senegalese writer of his generation” (Le Monde), and winner of the 2021 Prix Goncourt, writes about identity, memory, and the transformative power of storytelling in The Silence of the Choir. Sarr crafts a narrative that is introspective and gripping, diving into the tension between personal history and broader cultural context. He takes readers on an evocative journey through the life of an African writer grappling with the weight of his past, while navigating the artistic and political challenges of the present. The Silence of the Choir is a layered exploration of the creative process, the search for truth, and the silences that often accompany both individual and collective histories. With its lyrical prose and rich, nuanced portrayal of exile, this novel is a powerful and timely addition to the global literary canon.
