Day 6: Read a book translated from the French
I have loads of books written about the French lifestyle by American, English and Australian authors (both fiction and non-fiction), and more. For a real French perspective though, I suggest reading a book translated from the French language.
May I recommend the fictional Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda if you’ve not already read it? I borrowed it from the library a while back and was so enthralled I eventually bought a copy for my own personal library.
There are three main characters living together in shared accommodation in Paris. Their stories become intertwined as you might imagine. You may or may not expect the ending, and I loved it. The entire book has a magical quality, mixed in with the mediocrity of the everyday.
It is quite an enchanting story and has stayed with me. It will be one I re-read on a regular basis.
My next book to read which has been translated from the French is the classic Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. I’ve been meaning to read it for, oh, about a million years, but library books keep getting in the way. My mother has been nagging me to read it and I promise I will, soon, before the end of the year.
Hi.i really love your blog.if you have enjoyed anna gavalda,read the elegance f the hedgegog.its sensitive and magical.it was made in afilm too.[frnch of course]
ReplyDeleteefi from geec.
I love your suggestion, Fiona (and Anonymous' too). My own suggestion would be "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky. What an amazing book. Haunting yet with a touch of humor that makes the horrors of war seem almost bearable even though you know they are not. I should re-read it. Another great post!
ReplyDeleteMadame Bovary is great. Read it with regime fric in mind. It will make the whole concept seem relevant. I also liked Elegance of the Hedgehog. I will check my library for the book you recommend.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I went to look on Amazon for Madame Bovary and if you have a kindle or kindle reader on your pc or phone you can download it for free! :)
ReplyDeleteHunting and Gathering was a good read...The Elegance of the Hedgehog has a strong French flavour too...I like Joanne Harris' books as well.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what you think of Madame Bovary...
OH my gosh, now that you mentioned Madame Bovary, I remember that it's sitting on my bookshelve too! Like you, other books are in my way, lol. Also, I like other's list like Suite Francaise and Elegance of the Hedehog too.
ReplyDeleteEfi, Vintage Dreamer, Stephanie, Robin, Hostess and Ping - thank you so much for your comments and book suggestions. I am noting them all down, but am not allowed to read them until I've read Madame Bovary!
ReplyDeletei am writing all of these down! =) i already have a long list but what is a couple more right?
ReplyDeleteif i could add a suggestion I would say Sarah's Key.. I really enjoyed it.
definitely very haunting and probably not French inspired as much as you are going for but still very good. It's centered around Paris at least. =)
~lenna
ps can i just say that i love that you have a personal library? I intend to have one one day... the very same that is beauty & the beast inspired! =]
Hi Lenna, I have read Sarah's Key and enjoyed it immensely, despite the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteMy personal library is more of a bookshelf at the moment, but would love to have a library room one day in the future. In my dream house it would have a ladder that runs from side to side on rails, but I'd settle for a day room with a sofa and some bookshelves. Perhaps a chaise too!
Hi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteAs a child I read Sans famille from Hector Malot,very good book.
Must be in English too.
Thank you Anon, I will do some research and see if I can read it in English.
ReplyDeleteFiona, you are mistaken. I loathe Madam Bovary but had, I thought, given you a battered copy of Hunting and Gathering a while ago. Also read The Matchmaker of Perigord I sent you which is indeed very French. I will be interested, however, if you do decide to read Madam Bovary to hear your thoughts. Good luck. Ma
ReplyDeleteHunting and Gathering - just put it on hold at my library! Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteHi Ma, sorry to tar you with Madame Bovary's brush. It's actually the Mitford books you are nagging me to read. And I gave you the tattered copy of Hunting and Gathering! Promise to read Perigord soon. xx
ReplyDeleteSunny, you're welcome! Hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think.
I agree with the others who mentioned The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I really think you'll like it!
ReplyDeleteThe Elegance of the Hedgehog was super. It is my choice for my month of book club this year. I hope the other ladies like it as much as I did. I think it enriches us to read something written by someone from another country and language.
ReplyDeleteUpdate: I am an oh-so-fast reader but I have savored Hunting and Gathering for two weeks now. I was drawn into the story immediately and adored getting to know the characters.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have known about this book without your posting a recommendation of it.
Have you read her first book?
Hi Sunny, no I haven't read any of her other books yet. Glad you enjoyed it!
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