In French and foreign literature, we recommend 5 essential novels to read before the age of 60.
Among all the novels released in the history of literature, both French and foreign, it is always difficult to make a selection. However, some books are truly essential in our libraries. If The Little Prince is one of the best-selling French books in the world, other works are essential. We therefore advise you to read them before you turn 60 – or in any case, to discover them during your retirement if you haven't already done so!
What books should you have read before age 60?
Pride and prejudicethe Jane Austen
This novel is undoubtedly one of the best known in English literature, and has been subject to numerous adaptations – including the BBC series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. In Pride and prejudiceJane Austen wonderfully depicts English society in the 18th and 19th centuries, and in particular the situation of women, through the characters of the Bennet sisters. At that time, marriage was a way for women to secure a financial situation, which is a recurring theme in the British author's novels. In this novel, the mother of the Bennet sisters then seeks to marry off her daughters, while a good match, Mr Bingley, has just settled in the neighboring estate, accompanied by his friend Mr Darcy.
The last day of a condemned manby Victor Hugo
More than a century before the abolition of the death penalty in France, Victor Hugo already published a strong plea with The last day of a condemned man. At the time, the author of Misérables published his novel anonymously, before completing it prefaced with his name three years later, in 1832. In this work, Victor Hugo writes the diary of the last twenty-four hours of a condemned man, of whom we do not know neither the name nor the crime committed. By specifying so few elements, the author then writes in the name of all the condemned, campaigning against the death penalty whatever the crime.
Of mice and menJohn Steinbeck
Another monument of literature: Of mice and men. A short and accessible novel by the American author, it tells the story of two friends, George, a short man, and Lennie, a massive man with an intellectual disability. Working as seasonal workers on ranches, they dream of creating their own farm. However, they often end up getting chased, because Lennie sometimes hurts people – or animals – without meaning to, which causes them a lot of trouble… Until the tragic outcome.
The promise of dawnby Romain Gary
If Romain Gary is the only author to have received the Goncourt prize twice, it is not for The promise of dawn. In this novel, the author recounts his childhood and youth with his mother, a former Russian actress ready to make any sacrifices for her son. The writer then describes maternal love with incredible accuracy, drawing inspiration from his own story. Since 1973, the pocket edition of this classic by Romain Gary has sold more than 1.1 million copies.
The Loverby Marguerite Duras
Another novel that marked 20th century literature: The Lover. Sultry at the time of its release, this auto-fiction masterpiece by Marguerite Duras is inspired by her own story. She then recounts her romantic relationship with a rich Chinese man, when she was still a teenager in French Indochina. This novel won the Goncourt Prize in 1984, and is, to this day, one of the best-selling in the history of the literary prize.
