At some point learners of French should tackle novels in French that are written for native speakers. However, they vary considerably in difficulty. I thought I’d keep a list of those I’ve seen recommended. At some point I’ll add a readability score, as modelled for learners of French with an English-speaking background.

• L’Étranger by Albert Camus
• Le Petit Prince
• Bonjour Tristesse
• Le Petit Nicolas
• La gloire de mon père by Marcel Pagnol
• Le chateau de ma mère by Marcel Pagnol (includes La gloire de mon père)
• Carmen by Prosper Merimée
• Les Tribulations D’une Caissière by Anna Sam
• Stupeurs et tremblements by Amélie Nothomb
• L’analphabète by Agota Kristof (éditions Zoe)
• La petite fille de monsieur Linh by Philippe Claudel
• Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux

Several others are listed at https://www.private-frenchlessons-paris.com/blog/10-books-for-french-learners.

Novels that are translations from English to French are often easier than those originally written in French, but it is definitely not always the case.

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