The Greatest French "Existentialist, Fiction" Books Since 1960

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Existentialist

Existentialist literature is a genre that explores the meaning and purpose of human existence, often through the lens of individual experience and subjective perception. These books often delve into themes of freedom, choice, and responsibility, and may challenge traditional notions of morality and societal norms. Existentialist literature can be introspective and philosophical, and may offer readers a unique perspective on the human condition and the search for meaning in a complex and often chaotic world.

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  1. 1. The Ravishing of Lol Stein by Marguerite Duras

    The Ravishing of Lol Stein is a novel that explores the life of the eponymous character, who is traumatized by her fiancé's betrayal at a ball. This event leads her into a mental breakdown, after which she returns to her hometown and marries an older man. However, her life takes a turn when she becomes obsessed with a young couple, leading her to question her own sanity and reality. The book delves into themes of love, obsession, and the thin line between sanity and madness.

    The 1504th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Afternoon of Monsieur Andesmas by Marguerite Duras

    "The Afternoon of Monsieur Andesmas" is a poignant exploration of memory, waiting, and the passage of time set in a small Mediterranean village. The narrative focuses on Monsieur Andesmas as he waits on a hillside for a contractor to discuss building a terrace for his daughter. As he waits, various interactions with the local people and his internal reflections reveal the complexities of his past relationships and the deep undercurrents of emotion tied to his family and his life choices. The novel delves into themes of guilt, regret, and the haunting nature of past decisions, all encapsulated in the quiet, tension-filled atmosphere of a single afternoon.

    The 2832nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Jerome by Jean-Pierre Martinet

    "Jerome" is a dark and unsettling novella that delves into the life of its eponymous protagonist, a reclusive, grotesque, and morbidly obese librarian who lives in a decrepit apartment. His existence is one of grim routine and perverse fantasies, as he harbors an unhealthy obsession with the young daughter of his landlord. The narrative explores the depths of Jerome's alienation and psychological torment, painting a bleak portrait of a man consumed by his own depravity and the suffocating confines of his solitary world. The book is a stark examination of loneliness, despair, and the human condition, rendered with a visceral intensity that leaves a lasting impression.

    The 5501st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Happy Days by Samuel Beckett

    "Happy Days" is a play that revolves around the life of Winnie, a middle-aged woman who is buried up to her waist in a mound of earth, with her situation worsening in the second act as she becomes buried up to her neck. Despite her predicament, Winnie maintains a sense of optimism and routine, often reminiscing about the past and engaging in one-sided conversations with her taciturn husband, Willie, who is largely invisible offstage. The play delves into themes of human resilience, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in the face of an absurd and unchanging predicament, with Winnie's relentless cheerfulness contrasted against the bleak and inexplicable situation she finds herself in.

    The 7004th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download