Books to Read This Winter: cozy mysteries, ooignant historical fiction and inspiring biographies all linked to France.
Immerse yourself in books that capture the essence of France through captivating mysteries, rich historical fiction, and fascinating biographies. Curated by Julia Girard-Gervois, a French expat living in the United States, each title in this list offers a unique glimpse into French history, culture, and the complexities of its people. Some stories will lift your spirits, while others may tug at your heartstrings, making them perfect for those chilly nights curled up with a warm cup of tea or a glass of fine wine.
Mystery & Lifestyle
Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker
Travel to the Dordogne region with Bruno, a village police chief whose cozy life is disrupted by crime and mystery. With a devoted fanbase, Walker’s series combines suspense, charming local customs, and the beauty of rural France. This series opener is a must-read and will with no doubt make you want to travel to the French countryside of Dordogne. Read more about Bruno’s world and the bucolic countryside of Dordogne here.
A Noël Killing by M.L. Longworth
Set in the festive streets of Aix-en-Provence during Christmas, A Noël Killing (Book 8 of the Provençal Mystery Series) sees Judge Verlaque and Marine Bonnet unravel a murder case amidst holiday cheer. Evocative descriptions of Provence’s food, wine, architecture and traditions, make this mystery novel a must-read for francophiles.
The Bordeaux Betrayal by Ellen Crosby
The novel is set in Virginia’s wine country, but it ties in with Bordeaux’s rich winemaking heritage, touching on topics like the classification of Bordeaux wines and the influence of Jefferson on American oenophiles. Lucie’s investigation takes readers through local vineyards, small towns, and historical sites, creating a suspenseful atmosphere as she uncovers hidden truths. The Bordeaux Betrayal is a treat for those who are interested in wine culture and the connection between Bordeaux and early American history.
Historical Fiction
Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
The first book in Kate Mosse’s Languedoc trilogy intertwines the lives of two brave women separated by 800 years but connected through a mysterious secret in the medieval town of Carcassonne. As they each face challenges tied to the Cathars, a persecuted medieval religious group, the story beautifully captures the South of France, blending historical intrigue with touches of the supernatural.
Read our interview with Kate Mosse.
The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
In this WWII-era novel, an architect is reluctantly drawn into the French Resistance, designing hidden rooms to shelter Jews from the Nazis. Belfoure’s novel is a tense, morally complex story that reveals the strength and bravery found in Paris under occupation.
The Eleanor of Aquitaine Series by Elizabeth Chadwick
This series offers a captivating look into the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of medieval France’s most powerful figures. The story is told with vivid detail, exploring Eleanor’s influence in the courts of France and England.
Joan of Arc by Mark Twain
In this lesser-known classic, Mark Twain presents an admiring portrait of Joan of Arc through historical fiction. Twain’s dedication to Joan’s story reveals a side of him as a writer that many may not know. Twain’s unique perspective is a compelling read.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This bestselling novel, soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning, tells the story of two sisters’ resistance to the Nazi occupation in France. Hannah’s emotional storytelling highlights the bravery of ordinary people during extraordinary times.
Biographies, Memoirs & Historical Non-Fiction
Josephine: The Hungry Heart by Jean-Claude Baker and Chris Chase
Apart from her rise in Paris’s Jazz Age and her courageous work as a spy in the French Resistance, Baker’s life was also marked by her dream of building a “Rainbow Tribe,” a family of adopted children from diverse backgrounds. She realized this vision at her beloved Château des Milandes in the Dordogne countryside, creating a haven of inclusivity and love. Yet despite her remarkable achievements, Baker’s later years would be marked by financial and personal hardships, making her story both inspiring and profoundly moving.
The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled Itby Tilar J. Mazzeo
Meet the visionary behind Veuve Clicquot, who transformed her late husband’s vineyard into a thriving champagne empire. Mazzeo’s biography celebrates a pioneering woman in French wine history and brings to life the allure and grit of 19th-century France.
The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire by Francesca Cartier Brickell
This biography traces the story of the Cartier family and their journey to creating one of the world’s most iconic jewelry brands. Through wars and revolutions, the Cartiers have left an enduring legacy in both France and the world of luxury. With behind-the-scenes stories, this book is a fascinating glimpse into the glamour and ingenuity that has shaped Cartier’s lasting legacy
Lust for Life by Irving Stone
This biographical novel about Vincent van Gogh vividly portrays the artist’s passion and struggles in France’s countryside and Parisian art circles. Stone’s work gives readers insight into van Gogh’s inner world and his incredible artistic legacy.
The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day Sacrifice by Alex Kershaw
Kershaw’s well-researched account commemorates the young men from Bedford, Virginia, who were among the first to storm the beaches of Normandy. This moving narrative links a small American town with France’s WWII history, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made on D-Day.
The Good Life France Series by Janine Marsh
In this memoir series, Janine Marsh, an expat from London, invites readers to experience rural French life through her eyes. Her humorous, heartfelt narratives capture the beauty and quirks of everyday life in the French countryside, making this series a delightful escape.
Julia Girard-Gervois is a tour guide and owner of TripUSAFrance
