Madame de La Fayette

Madame de La Fayette was a French writer known for her novel 'La Princesse de Clèves,' which is considered one of the first historical novels and a precursor to the modern psychological novel.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Princess of Cleves

    Set in the royal court of Henry II of France, the novel follows the life of a beautiful young woman, newly presented at court, who attracts the attention of many suitors, including the King's son. However, she is married off to a man she does not love, the Prince of Cleves. Despite her loyalty to her husband, she falls in love with the Duke of Nemours. The novel explores themes of duty, honor, and the conflict between passion and reason as the protagonist struggles with her feelings and the moral implications of her love for the Duke.

    The 284th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. A Princesa De Clèves

    Set in the opulent court of Henry II of France, this classic novel explores the intricate dynamics of love, duty, and honor through the life of a young noblewoman. Torn between her obligations to her husband and her passionate feelings for another man, the protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of courtly intrigue and societal expectations. Her internal struggle and the moral dilemmas she faces highlight the constraints placed on women in the 16th century, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of true love and personal integrity.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org