What are some of the best 20th century French novels?

The best 19th century French novels are numerous. 'Candide' by Voltaire, though published in the 18th century, had a huge influence on 19th - century French literature. It's a satirical work that critiques various aspects of society. In the 19th century proper, 'Germinal' by Émile Zola stands out. It gives a vivid and often harrowing account of the lives of coal miners. Also, 'Adolphe' by Benjamin Constant is a significant novel that examines the relationship between a man and a woman in a complex and nuanced way.

Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' is also a great 19th century French fiction. It tells the story of Jean Valjean, an ex - convict trying to redeem himself in a society that is often unforgiving. The novel is filled with rich characters and a vivid portrayal of the social conditions of the time.

Well, 'Germinal' by Emile Zola is a great 19th - century French novel. It shows the harsh life of miners. Then there's 'Carmen' by Prosper Mérimée. It has a very interesting story about a passionate and free - spirited gypsy woman. And don't forget 'The Red and the Black' by Stendhal, which is about a young man's ambition in a complex society.

Well, 'Les Misérables' is a great 19th - century French novel. It's a long and complex work that delves deep into the social problems of the time like poverty and inequality. Also, 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas is really famous. It's full of adventure, friendship, and intrigue. Then there's 'Germinal' by Émile Zola, which shows the harsh life of miners in that era.

Sure. 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is a great 19th - century French novel. It's a story full of seduction, manipulation, and the complex relationships among the aristocracy. Another one is 'Sylvie' by Théophile Gautier, a novel that combines elements of love, nature, and a touch of the supernatural. And 'Manon Lescaut' by Abbé Prévost is also well - known for its tragic love story.

Religious and moral themes were common. The society was still very much influenced by the Church, so many novels carried moral lessons. They might show the consequences of sin or the rewards of virtue. Some novels were also used as a means to promote certain religious values or to criticize the moral decay of the society.

They often had complex characters. For example, in novels like 'The Dangerous Liaisons', the characters are full of contradictions, with their moral and immoral sides intertwined. Their plots were also elaborate, usually involving the upper - class society and their intrigues.

One characteristic is the exploration of existential themes. As seen in Camus' works, characters often struggle with the meaning of life. Another is the complex use of language. Writers like Proust use very elaborate and detailed descriptions.

Well, 'Les Misérables' is surely one of them. It's a huge epic that shows the harsh realities of poverty, law, and morality in 19th - century France. Then there's 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas. It's full of adventure, loyalty, and friendship. And we can't forget 'Candide' by Voltaire, although it was more towards the end of the 18th century into the 19th. It's a satirical work that critiques many aspects of society.

They often had complex characters. For example, in Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables', Jean Valjean is a multi - faceted character with a past of crime but also great capacity for good.