Are you looking for the best French authors of the 21st century?
A remarkable batch of French authors has emerged in the last two decades, writing with wit, insight, and a sharp eye for the human condition. Among the most celebrated and best French authors of the 21st century are Michel Houellebecq, Annie Ernaux, and Lela Slimani, whose works we will examine today with several others.
Many excellent contemporary French authors are continuing the tradition of French literature’s long and illustrious past. These authors are creating some of the most fascinating and thought-provoking work, with topics ranging from social criticism to psychological introspection.
RELATED READ: Famous French Authors: 20 Great Writers from France
This article provides a brief overview of the most notable French writers of the twenty-first century. We will discuss their contributions to literature as well as the authors they influenced.
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11 Best French Authors Of The 21st Century
1. Annie Ernaux
Nobel Prize in Literature (2022) awardee Annie Ernaux, French novelist and esteemed literature professor, has made significant contributions to the literary world for the past few decades.
Her work explores a diverse range of thought-provoking themes, including the human body and its connection to sexuality, the complexities of intimate relationships, the impact of social inequality, and the power of memory.
Ernaux skillfully weaves her personal experiences into her literary works, creating a captivating tapestry of storytelling.
We highly suggest diving into the captivating world of “La place” (Man’s Place), an autobiographical novel that delves into the intricate dynamics between the author and her father, while also exploring her journey into adulthood.
Additionally, “L’événement“ (Happening) offers a thought-provoking account of her personal experience with abortion. These literary works provide a unique and insightful perspective on the author’s life, inviting readers to reflect on various aspects of human existence.
2. Yasmina Reza
Yasmina Reza, a renowned playwright, has gained significant recognition for her works. Check out her acclaimed novel “Le Dieu du carnage” (“God of Carnage”).
If you’re a beginner and interested in trying your hand at reading in French, we highly recommend giving it a go!
Reza is a talented satirist who skillfully crafts her work around the lives of middle-class families and the challenges they face. She has won many awards during the course of her distinguished career.
Among her impressive collection of honors are multiple prestigious Molière Awards, recognizing her exceptional talent as a distinguished author.
3. Virginie Despentes
Often referred to as the female Michel Houellebecq (more on him later), French author and filmmaker Virginie Despentes is also an advocate for women’s rights.
Her books examine topics like gender, sexuality, power, and social inequality, earning her a reputation as a trailblazer in the literary world.
Among her many works, the trilogy “Vernon Subutex,” released between 2015 and 2017, stands out for its in-depth exploration of friendship, grief, and the effects of the digital age on relationships through the eyes of its diverse cast of characters.
The trilogy helped establish Despentes as one of the most important writers in France at the time.
4. Delphine de Vigan
In 2007, “No et moi” (“No and Me”), Delphine de Vigan’s first novel, swept the French literary world.
The book follows the friendship of two young girls, one of whom is extremely intelligent and has an IQ of 160, and the other is homeless and poor.
Her best-selling book was adapted into a movie and translated into over twenty languages. After the success of her debut novel, De Vigan decided to devote herself more to writing.
She has since written numerous books, including the psychological thriller “D’après une histoire vraie” and the fantasy novel “Rien ne s’oppose à la nuit” (“Nothing Holds Back the Night”).
5. Édouard Louis
Édouard Louis, a French writer who was born Eddy Bellegueule in Hallencourt, is a rising star in the French literary scene.
After the publication of his autobiographical debut novel “En finir avec Eddy Bellegueule” (“The End of Eddy“) in 2014, Louis became a household name around the world.
The novel was praised for its realistic and moving depiction of Louis’s life and illuminating problems experienced by minority groups.
His subsequent books, including “Histoire de la violence“ and “Qui a tué mon père“, continue to explore deeply personal and political subjects, often drawing on his backgrounds.
Louis’s writing style combines parts of fiction and personal experience while maintaining a raw, emotional intensity.
6. Michel Houellebecq
French author and poet Michel Houellebecq are well-known for writing books that stir up a debate with their probing examinations of modern culture, interpersonal dynamics, and the collapse of Western civilization.
In 1994, Houellebecq’s work “Extension du domaine de la lutte” (also known as “Whatever” or “Whatever: A Novel”) was published and catapulted him to fame around the world. But it was his 1998 novel “Les Particules élémentaires“ (also known as “Atomised” or “The Elementary Particles“) that earned him both critical acclaim and heated debate.
Numerous literary awards have been bestowed upon Houellebecq, notably the 2010 Prix Goncourt for his work “La Carte et le Territoire“ (The Map and the Territory).
“Plateforme“ (sometimes spelled “Platform”) and “Soumission“ (also spelled “Submission”) are two of his other well-known works.
7. Marc Levy
French writer Marc Levy writes romance fiction and contemporary literature, among others. Levy’s novels are easily readable and full of genuine feelings and intriguing plot twists.
Themes of love, fate, second chances, and the significance of interpersonal bonds frequently appear in his works.
Numerous films based on Levy’s novels have been box-office hits in France and beyond. In 2005, “Just Like Heaven,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was released as an adaptation of his first novel.
Levy’s books have been translated into several languages and have found an avid readership not only in France but around the world. “Elle et lui” (She and He), “Une autre idée du bonheur” (Another Idea of Happiness), and “Les Enfants de la liberté” (Children of Freedom) are only a few of Marc Levy’s other well-known works.
8. Marie NDiaye
Marie NDiaye is a novelist and playwright who burst onto the scene with a dazzling debut at the tender age of 17.
Her works are widely celebrated for their ability to stimulate deep thinking and self-reflection. With a keen focus on topics such as identity, race, migration, and social issues, she delves into these subjects with great depth and insight.
NDiaye made a remarkable entrance into the literary world with her debut novel, “Quant au riche avenir” (“As for the Rich Future”), which she wrote at the tender age of 17.
This early achievement not only showcases her exceptional talent but also hints at the promising literary journey that lay ahead for this young prodigy.
Throughout her career, she has crafted a remarkable collection of novels, plays, and short stories, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the vibrant world of modern French literature.
One of the most celebrated works by NDiaye is the novel “Trois femmes puissantes“ (“Three Strong Women“), published in 2009. This remarkable piece of literature earned NDiaye the esteemed Prix Goncourt, a highly coveted literary award in France.
The novel delves into the diverse experiences of African women, providing valuable insights into the complexities of race, power dynamics, and personal identity.
9. Olivier Norek
Crime fiction author Olivier Norek is not only a talented novelist and screenwriter but also a real-life police captain. It’s quite impressive how he manages to juggle his creative pursuits with his demanding role in law enforcement.
Norek’s firsthand experience in the police force undoubtedly brings a unique and authentic perspective to his gripping crime novels such as the Banlieues trilogy, and Victor Coste series.
With his diverse skill set Renowned for his exceptional talent in the realm of contemporary French crime writing, he has garnered a well-deserved international reputation.
Norek’s captivating storytelling is enriched by his firsthand experience as a detective, allowing him to craft compelling narratives with a solid plotlines.
10. Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt
Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt is a Franco-Belgian playwright, writer, and film director.
He was born in Belgium and raised in France. He is a writer who explores topics such as belief, the pursuit of pleasure, and legendary beings.
His novel “Le Visiteur,” sometimes known as “The Visitor,” which was about a meeting between Freud and God, is what brought him to fame.
We also recommend that you read the novel titled “La Part de l’Autre,” also known as “The Alternative Hypothesis.”
This book examines what may have transpired in history if Adolf Hitler had been accepted into the Fine Art Academy in Vienna instead of being turned away.
11. Leïla Slimani
Lela Slimani is a writer and journalist of Franco-Moroccan descent. Slimani is widely regarded as one of France’s finest contemporary authors.
Her 2016 book, “Chanson Douce“, earned her the Prix Goncourt. Eighteen different languages have adapted the work, attesting to its widespread popularity.
In 2019, the film “Chanson Douce” starring Karin Viard and Lela Bekhti, two acclaimed French actors, was released.
“Le Pays des Autres“ (The Country of Others), the first book in a trilogy about the author’s family, and its sequel “Watch Us Dance” are both highly recommended reads.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.