About us
Welcome to The French Book Club (Online)!
We are Les Rats de Bibliothèque (the French equivalent for bookworm)
Each month, we read a different French book and meet online to discuss it in French. We read a variety of books, focusing on those originally written in French, not too long, with accessible language.
Whether you're learning or maintaining French, or you're a French native, this club is for you!
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ATTENTION!
SONDAGE: If you haven't already, please help us choose future books to read by taking this online poll.
Upcoming events
4

French Book Club: Chanson douce (Option 1)
·OnlineOnlineTitle: Chanson douce
Author: Leïla Slimani
Published: 2016
Pages: 240Next up: We will immerse ourselves in the gripping and psychologically intense world of Leïla Slimani's Chanson douce.
To participate:
1. Read the French edition of the book (how to find books in French)
2. Pour a glass of wine and join our online meeting to discuss what you thought about it (en Français).Background of 'Chanson douce': Chanson douce, published in 2016, quickly garnered widespread attention and acclaim, winning the prestigious Prix Goncourt in the same year. The novel is set in Paris and revolves around a young couple, Myriam and Paul, who hire a nanny, Louise, to care for their two young children. What seems like an idyllic solution soon unravels into a chilling drama that explores the complexities of parental guilt, class tensions, and the psychological unraveling of a seemingly perfect nanny.
Why Chanson douce is well-known: Leïla Slimani's novel stands out for its masterful storytelling, crisp prose, and its unflinching exploration of uncomfortable truths about parenthood, trust, and dependence. The story's opening with a shocking crime sets a suspenseful tone, compelling readers to understand the hows and whys of the tragedy. The book has not only been a bestseller in France but has also received international acclaim, resonating with audiences globally for its universal themes and Slimani's skillful narrative craft.
Why someone would want to read it: Chanson douce is a compelling read for anyone fascinated by psychological thrillers and character-driven narratives. The book offers a nuanced and often disturbing look at the dynamics of power, loneliness, and desperation. Our book club session will provide a rich ground for discussing the multifaceted characters, the societal commentary Slimani weaves into the narrative, and the moral complexities presented in the book. Readers looking for a thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and intellectually stimulating experience will find Chanson douce a perfect fit.
It it hard to read? Chanson douce is actually easier to read than most of the previous books we've read. It has very straight-forward style and is not overly descriptive, so the vocabulary is more like conversation than most novels.
Author interview
Check out this interview with the author on La Grande Library, in which she discusses "Chanson douce" as well as her first book, "Dans le jardin de l’ogre."2 attendees
French Book Club: Chanson douce (Option 2)
·OnlineOnlineTitle: Chanson douce
Author: Leïla Slimani
Published: 2016
Pages: 240Next up: We will immerse ourselves in the gripping and psychologically intense world of Leïla Slimani's Chanson douce.
To participate:
1. Read the French edition of the book (how to find books in French)
2. Pour a glass of wine and join our online meeting to discuss what you thought about it (en Français).Background of 'Chanson douce': Chanson douce, published in 2016, quickly garnered widespread attention and acclaim, winning the prestigious Prix Goncourt in the same year. The novel is set in Paris and revolves around a young couple, Myriam and Paul, who hire a nanny, Louise, to care for their two young children. What seems like an idyllic solution soon unravels into a chilling drama that explores the complexities of parental guilt, class tensions, and the psychological unraveling of a seemingly perfect nanny.
Why Chanson douce is well-known: Leïla Slimani's novel stands out for its masterful storytelling, crisp prose, and its unflinching exploration of uncomfortable truths about parenthood, trust, and dependence. The story's opening with a shocking crime sets a suspenseful tone, compelling readers to understand the hows and whys of the tragedy. The book has not only been a bestseller in France but has also received international acclaim, resonating with audiences globally for its universal themes and Slimani's skillful narrative craft.
Why someone would want to read it: Chanson douce is a compelling read for anyone fascinated by psychological thrillers and character-driven narratives. The book offers a nuanced and often disturbing look at the dynamics of power, loneliness, and desperation. Our book club session will provide a rich ground for discussing the multifaceted characters, the societal commentary Slimani weaves into the narrative, and the moral complexities presented in the book. Readers looking for a thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and intellectually stimulating experience will find Chanson douce a perfect fit.
It it hard to read? Chanson douce is actually easier to read than most of the previous books we've read. It has very straight-forward style and is not overly descriptive, so the vocabulary is more like conversation than most novels.
Author interview
Check out this interview with the author on La Grande Library, in which she discusses "Chanson douce" as well as her first book, "Dans le jardin de l’ogre."3 attendees
Past events
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