French authors general thread

This thread is devoted to the French works read of authors who were not specially assigned for the year. Feel free to post reviews, thoughts, and to initiate any discussion that seems interesting.

If you are reading Camus, join the extensive reading here.

I've just started Marguerite Yourcenar's Oriental Tales, a short story collection. As usual, her writing is luminous. Will be back to post my thoughts.

Reading Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo. The translation is so beautiful, that I think I will re-read this in French at some point.

I just finished Viper's Tangle by Francois Mauriac, who won the Nobel for literature (1952) I think. It was excellent, and I'll be reviewing it soon.

I'm looking forward to seeing that review. I've had that book on my TBR since probably 2008 and have yet to get at it. Although you always seem to be one step ahead of me on anything I read!

Has any one read, Life a User's Manual by Georges Perec? I started it a few years ago but, at the time, I was involved in too many other books and set it aside. It is a french contemporary author. This book is more of an abstract read. It is structured around a single moment in time. However, as we know, any "moment in time" is influenced by prior experiences, situations and knowledge leading up to the current time. I am curious if any one intends on adding this to their list of French authors for 2013?

#6 - I read Life: A User's Manual a few years ago. I know of people who think it is the greatest thing they've ever read, but I found it rather tedious and pointless at times. Knowing that there were a number of logical and mathematical constraints that went into the composition of each chapter didn't necessarily make it a rewarding reading experience.

I loved it, but I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea. I read it probably about 10 years ago. A group read of it was started a couple of years ago, but petered out, and I reread about half of it then. I didn't pay much attention to the mathmatical/logical aspects of the book, but I enjoyed reading it as a "jigsaw puzzle." (Jigsaw puzzles are a major motif). It could be described as pointless in that there are no great themes, but for me it was great fun as a game. (In fact there is a "quiz" part way through, in which Perec invites the reader to locate certain things referred to in the book). I didn't find the book tedious (unlike Hotel Crystal by Olivier Rolin, which I read recently and which uses a similar technique of structuring the story around detailed descriptions of rooms, in this case hotel rooms around the world). Instead, I was enthralled with Perec's descriptions, which he uses as a take-off for hundreds of fascinating digressions. I was never sure whether any of these were factual, but either he has a huge breadth of knowledge on esoteric subjects, or an astounding imagination--I suspect both.

A long way of saying I'd recommend it, and I do intend to reread it (all of it this time), although maybe not this year.

At the end of last year, and I think it was in this group, I mentioned that I might try to resurrect my long-lost French reading skills and try reading a book in French. I can't find the thread anymore, but I believe somebody mentioned Camus as a writer who might be less of a challenge than some others. So, today, when I walked past a bookstore that sells books in French, Spanish, and Italian, I picked up a copy of L'étranger in French (the only Camus they had in stock, but one I read years ago). Of course, I couldn't resist picking up a Zola that isn't available in recent English translation, La conquête de Plassans. I have no idea when, if ever, I'll try to tackle these, dictionary and grammar book in hand; maybe I'll make trying to relearn French a summer project . . .

Rebecca - I remember that conversation. I had recommended reading Maupassant in French but don't recall who it was who recommended Camus.

Oh yes, Maupassant. I forgot about him, but will look for something by him the next time I'm in the neighborhood of that store.

I might have been the Camus referral.......L'Etranger is one of my all time favorites.

Regarding Perec's, Life-A User's Manual, what I did read, previously, I loved. The jigsaw puzzle motif is of particular importance and interest. I, too, cannot get too involved in the mathematical/logical aspects of this book. I did at first and, yes, it made it a bit tedious. Once I "loosened up" and followed it with more of a relaxed, game-like perspective, I was able to focus in on the spirit of the novel and enjoy it on a different level. Thank you for your input. With the French author focus this year, I am determined to restart and finish this novel.

I just finished reading Pierre and Jean by Guy deMaupassant, and the preface to my edition by the translator had some interesting information about the connection between Zola (at that time a famous author) and de Maupassant (who was then an unknown). If you don't mind, I'll just quote for the most part instead of summarizing. In furtherance of his plan to establish "Naturalism", Zola:

"...conceived the generous and at the same time astute idea of publishing a collection of short stories, related because the subject of each was to be an incident of the 1870 war, each to be written by one of his young disciples, preceded by a story of his own and published at Zola's own personal risk by his publisher Charpentier. The authors were in this order in the volume, Zola, de Maupassant, Huysman, Ceard, Hennique and Zola's friend and first biographer, Alexis."

Zola's and de Maupassant's stories were based on real life, but:

"...for "L'Attaque du moulin" Zola used his usual method of accumulating authentic facts carefully stored in his notebooks, and then putting them together into a skillful, lifelike mosaic. Each element is a miracle of observation and realism, but the final effect is somewhat crowded with significant happenings, like a painting by Frith. On the other hand, for ""Boule de suif" Maupassant took a real adventure witnessed by some people he knew, simplified it to the bare essentials of changeless human nature and placed it in a setting he knew perfectly.... And it reads naturally, like a simple tale told casually by one man to another. Neither has it any dramatic ending, for real life has no exit lines or final curtains; it just has to go on."

The publication of de Maupassant's story in this volume brought him fame and recognition for the first time, but the preface points out that de Maupassant spent years under the tutelage of Flaubert, who "loved him like a son." It goes on to state, "Flaubert continually warned him not to publish too soon. Maupassant's art is therefore the product of many years of training by one of the greatest stylists and most fastidious artists in French literature."

I read Camus', The Stranger, today - in English. It is a fascinating read in light of Camus' life at the time of its writing, his work and philosophy of the absurd. Camus' theory of the absurd encompasses certain aspects of existentialism. The two together, the way they intersect, bring further elements of interest to compare and contrast.

P.S. I am not focusing on all of Camus' work. I am simply re-exploring and introducing myself to other French authors, along with those listed in this group.

Glad you liked it!!

Okay, I read one more from Camus. Both books came to me via BookMooch recently. I could not resist. This time it was, The Fall. Wow, what an amazing novel! Camus’ theological-philosophical inferences painted within in a fog-filled arena of muted tones make for a heavily weighted, entrancing read. With its universal implications, The Fall should be on everyone’s, “to read” list. Just my opinion. Now, on to Balzac, and also must finish Toilers of the Sea!

Finished The Toilers of the Sea. Here is the link to my review:

http://my2013readingjournal.blogspot.com/2013/01/toilers-of-sea-by-victor-hugo.h...

Just started reading The Fall by Albert Camus.

The children Of Captain Grant
Finished reading: 19 January 2013



The children Of Captain Grant is a classic adventure story, the fifth of Jules Verne's series of "extraordinary travels and voyges". The story is very entertaining, and, provided the reader can bear Verne's extentive descriptions of geography, flora & fauna, and local customs, all very entertaining.

The story begins as Lord and Lady Glenarvan, sailing home to Glasgow in with their ship, the Duncan find a bottle with a message. The message is written identically in three languages, but the papers in the bottle have sustained water damage and the message is barely readable. Nonetheless, it is clear that the message comes from Captain Grant, who was shipwrecked. Research reveals that the message must have been posted by Captain Grant after the supposed shipwreck of his vessel, the Brittania. Lord Glenarvan also locates Captain Grant's children, Mary and Robert. As the Admiralty refuses to undertake a rescue mission, Lord Glenarvan decides to undertake such a mission himself, bringing along his wife and Captain Grant's children. A very valuable additional team member will prove to be Paganel, a somewhat muddle-headed geographer who mistakenly boarded the Duncan in the harbour of Glasgow.

After the most meticulous interpretation of the three messages from the bottle, compared with the last call in port of the Brittania, it is decided that Captain Grant is most likely to be found in South-America. Based on details from the message they decide to cross the continent along the 37th parallel south. The Duncan lands them on the continent from where their travels to search inland for Captain Grant, whom they believe to be held captive by native tribes. During their search in Patagonia, they encounter a native who tells them about a white man who was taken, and they follow this lead hoping to find Captain Grant. However, half-way through they realize the story is incorrect. Crossing the continent, they come across the wildest adventures including an earthquake and a flood, while observing all the most typical flora an fauna, such as the condor, for Latin America. There are also mentions of typical culture of south American indians. After a strenuous journey, they are taken on board the Duncan which awaits them at the agreed point on the other side of the continent.

Despairing after their failure in finding Captain Grant, Paganel is inspired to read the message in a different way, explaining that they should pusue their search along the 37th parallel, but should set sail for Australia. They set course, via Tristan da Cunha and Amsterdam Island, to the west coast of Australia. Here, they meet a sailor called Ayrton, who was the quarter-master of the Britannia. He promises to lead them across the continent to the place where the Britannia was shipwrecked. They set out with a caravan of waggons, oxen and horses, to follow the trail and cross over to the east coast. However, in the middle of their journey Ayrton rouses suspicion, as their animals die one after the other, and they are shadowed by a band of crooks. Ayrton leaves them stranded, while getting away with a letter by Lord Glenarvan which he will use to board and direct the Duncan, which he wants to take control of. After a long journey of foot, the rescue party reaches the east coast of Australia, and failing to meet the Duncan at the appointed location, they believe their mission is a complete failure. They have not found Captain Grant, and have lost the Duncan. They pay passage on a ship to New Zealand, but this ship is wrecked off the coast of New Zealand. The unhappy party falls into the hands of a maori tribe they believe will kill them, but with the help of Robert, who was not captured they manage a spectacular escape, and making use of the Maori's superstitious believes in taboo, the escape being recaptured by the cannibals. Crossing over land, they reach the coast, but here they are again in danger of being captured. They try to escape in a canoe, and as they are about to be overtaken by Maori in pursuit, they are rescued by a European ship, which turns out to be the Duncan. Back aboard ship they hear how Ayrton's attemp to capture the Duncan was foiled. At his own request, Ayrton is transported to to be left at an uninhabited island, Tabor Island, on which they discover Captain Grant.

To modern readers, the features of the geography, flora and fauna, and anthropology of local peoples of South America, Australia and New Zealand may be a bit tedious to read, but most of it is quite entertaining. It is obvious that the novel is structured in such a way to enable the author to maximize the descriptive potential. Coming from Scotland, in search of a shipwreck in South America the most logical attempt would be to land on the east coast of the continent and cross over to the west coast. Upon failing to find the captain, the most logical thing would then be to cross over to New Zealand, as if the travellers would have followed the 37th parallel they would then have found Captain Grant immediately on Tabor Island. In the novel, however, the globe is circumvented, sailing from the west to the east.

Beside the extensive descriptions of geographical features, natural history and disasters, readers are entertained with lock, stock, and barrel clichés about cannibalism and "once a convict, forever a convict" regarding the settlers in Australia.

Altogether a very entertaining novel.



Other books I have read by Jules Verne:
Vingt mille lieues sous les mers
De la terre à la lune
Around the World in Eighty Days
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
All Around the Moon

I'm delighted to find a reading group on LT that has interest in French authors! :)

I will definitely try and join in the Zola reading. Also, The second sex by Simone de Beauvoir has been on my wishlist forever, this will be a very good occasion to finally read it.

So far I've read 5 French books in 2013. They were :
- Suite française (French Suite) by Irène Némirovsky, a 20th-century classic about the second world war;
- Pain amer (Bitter bread) by Marie-Odile Ascher, a contemporary novel about russians family who fled the country during the revolution and were invited back by Staline, only to try and survive in awful conditions;
- Du domaine des murmures (Estate of whispers), by Carole Martinez, a poetic book about a young woman vowing to be walled-in forever rather than being married to a man she hates;
- Accident nocturne (Night accident) by Patrick Modiano, where a young man with a troubled past walks through Paris in search of a woman who knocked him over with her car;
- Le vol des cigognes (Flight of the Storks) by Jean-Christophe Grangé, a mystery book where atrocious murders seem to be linked to the storks' migration.

If I can spare the time I'll translate my reviews into English (I write them in French on another site) and copy them here.
I don't think any of them, except the last one, have been translated into English.

Actually, Suite française has been translated into English, and a lot of other works, too. At the same time (2007-2010) she turned up in German translation as well. The reviews were very good and I'm looking forward to read them some time this year – in French.
By the way, I'm also glad to have found this group, I enjoy the comments very much and find them very helpful.

Thanks for your input, MissWatson. My method for knowing if a book was translated into English was to look for an English title in the 'Work details' page here on LT. I guess it is not very reliable. I'll do a search on amazon next time.

Suite française is called Suite française in English too; that's why the English translation of the title didn't show up. If you click on Editions in the left-hand column of a work page, you can see all the different language versions of a title.

Ah, thanks for this information, I didn't know about that. Though in this case, since the title is the same in English and in French, it's not easy to distinguish the French editions from the English ones.

Welcome to the group! I'm the creator of the group but I'm not around that much. Still wanted to say welcome! I should actually be reading lots of books on theme since I'm in France right now but I'm so relaxed I just can't get myself to read. Just bought a thick Dumas though!

Hello and thank you for the welcome! :)
Which Dumas did you buy? All the ones I've read I found entertaining and relaxing, so it's probably a good choice for a relaxing time.

I got Le Vicomte de Bragelonne. Long book. Three volumes at 900 pages each. I will not be finishing this anytime soon.

Wow, that is long indeed! This prompted me to check on amazon how long is Le comte de Monté-Cristo, which I read in ebook format. I thought it was long while reading it, but I didn't know how long since it didn't have page numbers. Apparently it's around 2100 pages in total. I never thought it was this much!

I translated my review for Suite française into English (sorry if it seems clumsy, I realise it's much harder to translante from French to English than write directly in English!).
It's on the work page, and I copy it below for easier access:

June 1940. The german troops are walking towards Paris, and the population, terrified, flees in mass.
The book consists of two parts: first the debacle of 1940 with the population and the French troups fleeing, then the occupation.
The first part follows several groups in their exodus, and w witness many small details: the baseness of some people, the beautiful actions of others, that they sometimes regret afterwards, many people's naivety about the situation, the panic of all. We see people who think their wealth will allow them to flee serenely, people who have lost their kin and are looking for them, people fleeing by foot... With a lot of talent, the author presents us, brush stroke by brush stroke, the image of a whole country fleeing in panic.

The second part, very different in style, focuses on a small village, from the moment at which the German troops come for occupying it, till their departure, shortly after USSR declares war against Germany. We observe a wide variety of characters: patriots who little by little turn into collaborators,
small resistants who poach to get along and eat more decently, women who have no news of their husband, who may be prisonners, and who try to raise their kids on their own as well as they can, other women who, little by little, come to care about German officers who treat them better than any man in the village has ever treated them...
All these characters are described with a lot of humanity and their relationships give a very good description of the atmosphere in the village.

In the end this is a large scope book, which one can read to feel the atmosphere of those years.
Personnally I was more captivated by the first part, because I had head little about the flight of the civil population before the advance of the German troops. The second part, which is very well written and very interesting also, reminded me more of many books or movies I read or saw on this topic.

I read Monte-Cristo a few years ago and it was fantastic! The thing about Dumas that I like is that despite writing long books, they are so easy to read because of all the adventure! So much fun. La Reine Margot is another good one and was much shorter.

Oh yes, La Reine Margot is a great story, but also a very cruel one. The scene where Coconnas carries La Môle to the scaffold because he can no longer walk on his broken legs gave me bad dreams for days. Those were cruel times, but it is still unusually drastic compared to everything else I’ve read by Dumas. Right now, I’m halfway through Le bagnard de l’opéra which is not too demanding on a hot summer night.

I recently discovered a new author Nicolas Fargues. He achieved some notoriety in France about 10 years ago (his modelling for Chanel probably helped!). I'm not usually too fond of the new wave of French (curiously the men, because the women I enjoy reading!) authors in which I include Houellebecq and Beigbeder, but there are exceptions to everything.

In La Ligne de courtoisie, Fargues shows us the million little ways in which we harm ourselves ('small violences' would be a literal translation) in order to keep the peace - biting one's tongue when Mom criticises; swallowing one's pride when getting yelled at by the bus driver, etc. Fargues' character is not meek, but he is very conscious of his inadequacy. Through the minute description of every day details, Fargues walks us through these shards of life until... well you have to read the book. It's a quick read and I recommend it!

Just finished reading volume 2 of Dumas' Le vicomte de Bragelonne. One more volume left which will lead to the famous man in the iron mask and the conclusion of the d'Artagnan series. I've been having a lot of fun reading this book and can't wait to start volume 3 although I feel like I need to do some responsible things (like job searching) before I'm allowed to start. Maybe send three resumes for every 100 pages read?

I just noticed that you all are reading Simone de Beauvoir during Oct-Dec.
I just started a (re)read of The Second Sex using the 2011 translation by Constance Borde and Sheila Malovany-Chevallier. I doubt I will finish BEFORE October :)

Should I wait until October to post a thread for discussing? or post a thread to discuss what people might read of her writings?

I really would like to discuss this book, but not getting much encouragement over in the Feminist Theory group: http://www.librarything.com/topic/93393

Normally I would have you wait til October to post, but since I think people are wanting recommendations as to what they should read by de Beauvoir, I'm okay if you start a thread now (just look at thread titles to see how we organize threads). However, I cannot promise that members will reply immediately.

I recently read La Reine Margot by Alexandre Dumas, thanks to lilisin's suggestion, and thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to the adventurous and intrigue-filled world of Dumas. But I agree with MissWatson about that particular scene. I reviewed it on my Club Read thread and on the book page.