Michel Butor

Michel Butor was a French writer associated with the Nouveau Roman (New Novel) literary movement. He is best known for his experimental novels and his contributions to literary theory.

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. Second Thoughts

    "Second Thoughts" is a complex, stream-of-consciousness novel that unfolds during a train journey from Paris to Rome. The protagonist, a businessman, is traveling to meet his mistress, but as the journey progresses, he becomes increasingly introspective and starts to question his decisions. The narrative is nonlinear and fragmented, mirroring the protagonist's mental state, and the novel explores themes of time, memory, identity, and the nature of reality.

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  2. 2. Degrees

    Set in a small French town, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a schoolteacher who meticulously documents the lives of his students and their families over the course of a single day. As he observes the intricate web of relationships and the subtle dynamics at play, the teacher reflects on the passage of time and the interconnectedness of human experiences. The story delves into themes of memory, perception, and the cyclical nature of life, offering a profound meditation on the ordinary moments that shape our existence.