French Book Club Schedule (2026)
Here's what we're reading in 2026.
Each session has its own book, its own vibe, and its own level - so you can join the ones that feel right for you.
All session times are in Melbourne time (AEST/AEDT).
Upcoming schedule
June 2026 — L’Armoire normande — Michel Bussi (B1)
Wed 24 Jun 2026 — 7:00–8:30pm (AEST) (Melbourne time)
Short story ~30 pages (mini read)
Recommended minimum level: B1, includes some passé simple + a few more advanced / modern expressions.
Another short story from Michel Bussi — just 30 pages, with a mystery and a plot twist at the end. I had so much fun reading it. Perfect if you want to dip your toes in without committing to a full novel. Plus, it's in the same book as Vie de Grenier, so if you were there for that session, you won't need to buy anything new!
July 2026 — L’Étranger — Albert Camus (B1)
Wed 29 Jul 2026 — 7:00–8:30pm (AEST) (Melbourne time)
Full novel, approx. 185 pages (full book)
Recommended minimum level: B1 Clear language (no passé simple) — the main challenge is pace/length.
I loved the film by François Ozon so much that I wanted to read it again — and when I did, I realised the language is actually not that difficult. No passé simple (which many of you mentioned was tricky in other novels). The main challenge here is the length — it's a full novel in the Pocket edition — but it is absolutely worth it. And if you've seen the film, you already have a head start.
August 2026 — Le Nom sur le mur — Hervé Le Tellier (B2)
Wed 26 Aug 2026 — 7:00–8:30pm (AEST) (Melbourne time)
Whole novel, approx. 162 pages (full book)
Recommended minimum level: B2, includes passé simple and the themes are heavier (WWII).
This one is an investigation: the author discovers a name engraved on the wall of his old house in the French countryside, and sets out to uncover the story of the young man behind it — a young man who fought in the Résistance during World War II. It's non-fiction, but written like a novel. I loved it so much I had to share it. Highly recommended.
What we've read together
February 2026 – Le Petit Nicolas (A2 level)
Book: Le Petit Nicolas – selected short stories
Level: A2 (upper beginner)
Format: 3 short chapters, including Un souvenir qu’on va chérir
We start gently with a classic of French childhood. Short, funny stories, simple sentences and lots of everyday vocabulary – perfect if you’ve never finished a book in French before.
Good to know:
This text is available as a PDF, so you don’t have to buy the book (unless you’d like a physical copy).
Ideal if you’re around end of A2 and want a first “I actually finished a book in French!” moment.
March 2026 – T’en souviens-tu, mon Anaïs ? – Vie de grenier (B1 level)
Book: Michel Bussi – short story Vie de grenier
Level: B1
Length: around 70 pages (pages 165–241 in the book)
In March, we move to a contemporary French author with a short, gripping story. The language is modern and accessible, and the plot keeps you turning the pages – great for building reading stamina without feeling overwhelmed.
Good to know:
This one needs to be purchased (paperback or Kindle).
Perfect if you’re already comfortable with A2 texts and ready to step into B1 territory.
April 2026 – Arsène Lupin (B1 level – classic)
Book: Maurice Leblanc – Arsène Lupin, gentleman cambrioleur
Chapters:
L’arrestation d’Arsène Lupin
Arsène Lupin en prison
L’évasion d’Arsène Lupin
Level: B1
Time for a French classic! We’ll read the first three Arsène Lupin stories together and explore a slightly older, more literary style of French – but in a very guided, supported way.
Good to know:
The text is available as a PDF, so you don’t have to buy the book (unless you love having a physical copy).
Great if you’re around B1 and curious about French classics but a bit scared to start on your own
May 2026 — Paris–Briançon — Philippe Besson (B1/B2)
Wed 19 May 2026
Full novel (approx. 200 pages)
Recommended minimum level: B2
In May, we finish this first cycle with a big milestone: reading a whole novel in French from start to finish. Paris–Briançon is a contemporary, emotional story with accessible language but deeper themes – perfect for pushing your reading to the next level.
