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.

Some of the top 20th - century French novels include 'The Second Sex' by Simone de Beauvoir. This work is a crucial feminist text that analyzes the situation of women in society. Then there's 'Zazie in the Metro' by Raymond Queneau, which is a more light - hearted yet innovative and satirical take on Parisian life. And 'The Mandarins' by Simone de Beauvoir as well, which delves into the post - war intellectual and political scene in France.

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.

Some of the most famous 20th century French novels include 'In Search of Lost Time' by Marcel Proust. It's a complex and profound work that delves deep into memory and time. Another notable one is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It presents an existential view through the character of Meursault who seems indifferent to the world around him.

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.

There were many famous novels in 19th-century France, and here are some of them: Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo 2."Les Misérables"-Victor Hugo 3. Pride and Predict (Le Caire) -Jane Austen The Catcher in the Rye-J. D. Salinger 5. Jane Eyre-Charlotte Bronte 6. La Femme nue, Margaret Atwood 7."Hamlet" by William shakespeare The Hunchback of Notre-Dame-Victor Hugo 9."Miserable World" I and II-Victor Hugo 10. La Haine-Victor Hugo These are some of the famous French novels of the 19th century. They are all important works in the history of literature and have a profound influence.

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.