WICE's "Café Littéraire: Savoring French Literature in English" offers a unique and enriching literary experience. We look for French literature that has won (or been nominated for) one of the six big French literary prizes, and that is available in English translation. The monthly discussions are in English.

"Café Littéraire" provides an opportunity to explore these masterpieces in the original French or in English translation. The works selected offer a window into French culture, history, and literary tradition, and allow members to immerse themselves in the eloquence and artistry of France's most esteemed authors.


The group normally meets on the 4th Friday of each month from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.

Note: Historically our book reading groups have been among the most popular activities in WICE, and available spaces often fill quickly. We reserve two places in this group each month for new WICE members. If no new members have signed up four days before the meeting, we will open these seats to all members.

If you would like more information or if you have questions, please email:

literature@wice-paris.org

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UPCOMING EVENTS

  • LY241 Café Littéraire: The Braid (La Tresse), by Laetitia Colombani

    • 24 May 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • 15th Arrondissement (location details to be provided after registration)
    • 8

    "The Braid," by Laetitia Colombani, tells the intertwined stories of three women from different corners of the world facing their own challenges. Smita, a Dalit in India, struggles against the caste system to give her daughter a better future. Giulia, an Italian factory worker, seeks to save her family's business after her father's illness. Sarah, a successful lawyer in Montreal, confronts a personal crisis that shakes her life. Despite their diverse backgrounds, their journeys converge in unexpected ways, revealing the resilience of the human spirit and the power of solidarity.

    The novel won the prestigious Prix Relay des Voyageurs-Lecteurs in 2018.

    "La tresse" de Laetitia Colombani raconte les histoires croisées de trois femmes issues de différents coins du monde et confrontées à leurs propres défis. Smita, une Dalit en Inde, lutte contre le système des castes pour offrir à sa fille un avenir meilleur. Giulia, une ouvrière italienne, cherche à sauver l'entreprise familiale après la maladie de son père. Sarah, une avocate prospère de Montréal, est confrontée à une crise personnelle qui ébranle sa vie. Malgré leurs origines diverses, leurs parcours convergent de manière inattendue, révélant la résilience de l'esprit humain et le pouvoir de la solidarité.

    Le roman a remporté le prestigieux Prix Relay des Voyageurs-Lecteurs en 2018.

    Registration will open on 26 April 2024. Two seats will be reserved for new WICE members up until a few days before the meeting (at which point they will be opened to all WICE members).

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  • LL051 Café Littéraire: The Elegance of the Hedgehog (L'Élégance du hérisson), Muriel Barbary

    • 05 Jul 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • 15th Arrondissement (location details to be provided after registration)
    • 8

    "The Elegance of the Hedgehog," by Muriel Barbery follows the lives of two women, Renée, a concierge in a wealthy Parisian apartment building who hides her intelligence and cultural interests, and Paloma, a precocious 12-year-old girl who plans to end her life on her 13th birthday. Through their perspectives, the novel delves into themes of class, philosophy, and the search for meaning in life. As they form an unlikely friendship, they discover the beauty in the everyday and the importance of human connection.

    The novel won the prestigious Prix Relay des Voyageurs-Lecteurs in 2018.

    "L'élégance du hérisson" de Muriel Barbery suit la vie de deux femmes, Renée, concierge d'un riche immeuble parisien qui cache son intelligence et ses intérêts culturels, et Paloma, une jeune fille précoce de 12 ans qui prévoit de mettre fin à ses jours le jour de son treizième anniversaire. À travers leurs points de vue, le roman aborde les thèmes de la classe sociale, de la philosophie et de la recherche d'un sens à la vie. En formant une amitié improbable, ils découvrent la beauté du quotidien et l'importance des liens humains.

    Le roman a remporté le prestigieux Prix Relay des Voyageurs-Lecteurs en 2018.

    Registration will open on 24 May 2024. Two seats will be reserved for new WICE members up until a few days before the meeting (at which point they will be opened to all WICE members).

    Show details