For the intermediate Francophone: The Novel

Once you have been  studying a language for a number of years, and have a good understanding of conversational languauge, one of the great ways to challenge and improve your languauge skills is by reading. 

You don't need to know all the words in a sentence to understand it's meaning. The sentences and words surrounding the ones which you are unfamiliar with will help you to discern what the basic meaning of the unknown word is. I know I certainly learnt a lot of english words in this manner, and found that through reading I aquired a much more diverse vocabulary than used in the common conversation around me.  Some english words I met first on the written page are ones I am still known to pronounce incorrectly... so when reading French material, you may find it useful to practice reading and sounding out words aloud. Doing this will  not only decrease the likelihood of such mistakes, but will help you to connect the written form of the word with it's oral sound, as well as its meaning in the sentence. 

Another good way to practice and improve your language skills is to listen to an audio-book. This is especially useful if you are an auditory learner or not particularly fond of reading. You can also try obtaining both the written and oral forms of the book and reading along with the recording. Also try comics, magazines and podcasts. 



Book Reviews:

Misérable Miranda, publié en 2003, Ecrit par Isabel Wolff

This book follows the life of Miranda Sweet, animal behaviourist, as she tries to assert herself after her heart-wrenching break up with her actor boyfriend. 

This book was orignially published in English, and I think i suitable for first time readers of French novels. The relaxed, chatty style of writing means that it echoes many of the phrases used in informal conversation. The comedic antics of the main character make for a light-hearted read, however the book also explores some more serious concepts, such as true love, courage and the value of honesty. The book is filled with flawed, but highly lovable characters. However I must warn you: if it was a movie, it would most definately classed as "Chick Flick. Blokes beware!  

Les enfants de Noé, publié en 1988. Ecrit par Jean Joubert

This novel published in 1988 is set in the past, in 2006,  which was at that time, the future. Events in the polar region cause a huge blizzard, which envelops the entiere northern hemisphere in a thick blanket of snow. All activity ceases and the world seems stopped in motion. 

The novel is written from the perspective of a young man, Simon, who, several years later, reflects on the challenges and demands of such a natural disaster. The novel explores not only the physical fight to survive, but the mental, emotional and spiritual battles that each of the characters struggle with. Simon, along with his mother, father and sister, are totally isolated in their chalet, lost in the sea of white.

This novel is insightful and reflective, however, as it is not very action-based, it can be difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Being written in third person, it also presents a challenge with varied sentence structures that do not tend to occur often in conversational french. 

However, it is an engaging read and offers insight into both the past and the future. It is interesting to compare Joubert's idea of the early 2000s to the actuality. The novel inspires many questions on a whole range of issues, from spirituality, young love, family, loneliness and despair to global warming, human-animal relatioships and space development. 

I would reccommend you read this book in short sections when you can be fully devote your attentions to the task, as, especially if you are new to French literature, the language can be demanding. I found in this book to be a very engaging, sweet and inspiring story of the human will to survive despite the hardships, challenges and troubles  we endure in life.

Reading is such a great way to improve your vocabulary, as well as discover more about French culture. Find books on topics that interest you, and that are written in a style you enjoy, such as horror, comedy, romance, travel, non-fiction, ect. It's worth visiting your local library to see if they have any French items available. Also keep an eye out for foreign language bookshops, or try online stores such as Amazon.com. 


If you know of any good reads written in French, or if you have ever read a French novel, please post a comment below, so we can all benefit!