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

  • LM281 Café Littéraire: Clara Reads Proust

    • 28 Mar 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 6 rue Saint Louis en Île, 75004
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    The registration limit for this event has been reached. Please put your name on the waitlist and you will be notified if a space opens up. Registration for the April Café Littéraire book discussion opens on Saturday, 29 March.

    Clara, a young hairdresser in a small town in Burgundy, lives a quiet and predictable life. Her days at Cindy Coiffure are filled with routine conversations, and her personal life feels similarly stagnant. One day, a customer leaves behind a copy of Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust. On a whim, Clara begins reading, unaware that this chance encounter with literature will change her outlook on life.

    As she immerses herself in Proust’s world, Clara starts to see her own life differently—her relationships, her job, and the possibilities that lie beyond her small-town existence. The novel explores the transformative power of literature, showing how a single book can ignite self-reflection and inspire change. With humor and warmth, Clara Reads Proust is a celebration of unexpected discoveries and the way stories can reshape our lives.

    Originally published in 2022 in French as Clara lit Proust, the book was translated into English by Polly Mackintosh and released in May 2024.

    The group will meet at the organizer's apartment on Île Saint Louis, and discuss the book in English. The  door code, telephone number, etc., will be sent in the reminder emails following registration.

    Registration for the March meeting opens on 28 February 2025.




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  • LA251 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 25 Apr 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • To be announced
    • 9

    A book has not been chosen yet for the April meeting yet. It will, however,  be an award-winning book that was originally published in French and is available in English translation.

    Current candidate books are the following:

    • The Years, by Annie Ernaux
    • The Familia Grande, by Camille Kouchner
    • The Adversary, by Emmanuel Carrère
    • My Life as a Russian Novel, by Emmanuel Carrère
    • At Night All Blood Is Blac, by David Diop
    • Beyond the Door of No Return, by David Diop
    • The Wizard of the Kremlin, by Giuliano da Empoli
    • Simple Passion, by Annie Ernaux
    • Yoga, by Emmanuel Carrère
    • In the Country of Others, by L. Slimani
    • The Post Card, by A. Berest
    • Fresh Water for Flowers, by Valerie Perrin
    • Elementary Particles, by M. Houellebecq
    • Therese Desqueyroux, by Francois Mauriac
    • The New Gospel According to the New World, by Maryse Conde
    • The Most Secret Memory of Men, by Mohamed Mbouga Sarrs

    The group discusses the book in English.

    The book group normally meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration.

    Registration for the April meeting opens on 28 March 2025.




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  • LY231 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 23 May 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • To be announced
    • 9

    A book has not been chosen yet for the May meeting. It will, however,  be an award-winning book that was originally published in French and is available in English translation.

    The group discusses the book in English.

    The book group normally meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration.

    Registration for the May meeting opens on 26 April 2025.




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  • LU271 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 27 Jun 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • To be announced
    • 9

    A book has not been chosen yet for the June meeting. It will, however,  be an award-winning book that was originally published in French and is available in English translation.

    The group discusses the book in English.

    The book group normally meets at the organizer's apartment. The directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration.

    Registration for the June meeting opens on 23 May 2025.




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