Robert Merle
Robert Merle was a French novelist known for his historical and science fiction works. He gained fame with his novel 'Weekend at Zuydcoote' which won the Prix Goncourt in 1949. His other notable works include the 'Fortune de France' series, which is a detailed historical saga set in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Books
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. Malevil
Set in the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war, the novel follows a group of survivors who find refuge in a medieval castle named Malevil. The survivors, led by the protagonist, must navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a drastically altered world. They grapple with issues of survival, community, morality, and leadership as they encounter other groups of survivors with different philosophies and intentions. The story is a gripping exploration of human resilience, the will to maintain civilization, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships in a post-apocalyptic setting.
The 3149th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. Death Is My Trade
The book is a fictionalized account of the life of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It delves into the protagonist's personal history, tracing his journey from a troubled childhood through his rise in the ranks of the SS. The narrative provides a chilling insight into the bureaucratic and ideological mechanisms that led to the Holocaust, exploring the protagonist's role in the administration of mass murder and the psychological detachment that enabled him to view the extermination of millions as a job. The story is a harrowing examination of the banality of evil and the moral complexities of obedience to authority.
The 3242nd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Day of the Dolphin
The book follows a brilliant and dedicated scientist who successfully trains dolphins to communicate in English. His ultimate goal is for them to become the world's first underwater spies, capable of infiltrating enemy territories undetected. However, his plans are derailed when the dolphins are kidnapped for a sinister plot to assassinate the President. The scientist must race against time to save both his dolphins and the President.
The 4083rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. The Island
The novel is a historical fiction set in the 18th century, following a group of mutineers who, after seizing a ship, find themselves on a deserted island. Striving to create a utopian society free from the constraints of their previous lives, the castaways establish a community with egalitarian principles. However, their attempts at an idealistic life are challenged by the complexities of human nature, power struggles, and the difficulties of survival in an isolated environment. As the narrative unfolds, the island becomes a microcosm for the broader human experience, exploring themes of freedom, governance, and morality.
The 11406th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. Week End At Zuydcoote
A gritty, tightly focused account of a soldier caught in the chaos of the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation, following his struggle to survive amid sinking ships, burning beaches, and panicked troops; the narrative alternates sharp, realistic depictions of combat and crowds with quieter moments of reflection on fear, loyalty and the fragile boundaries between courage and self-preservation, offering a stark, human portrait of war’s disorienting violence and moral ambiguity.
The 13599th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Vittoria
Set against the backdrop of 16th-century Italy, this historical novel weaves a tale of intrigue, power, and passion. The story follows a young woman of noble birth who navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and personal ambition. As she grapples with the constraints of her era, her intelligence and determination become her greatest assets in a world dominated by men. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, as she challenges societal norms and seeks to carve out her own destiny amidst the chaos of Renaissance Italy.
The 17120th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon