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

  • LJ241 Café Littéraire Book Group - The Perfect Nanny ("Chanson Douce"), by Leila Slimani

    • 24 Jan 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • 6 rue Saint Louis en Île, 75004
    • 8
    Register

    "The Perfect Nanny," published in 2016, is a psychological thriller that begins with a chilling revelation: two children have been murdered by their nanny, Louise. The story then unravels the events leading up to this tragedy, exploring the lives of Myriam and Paul, a Parisian couple who hire Louise to care for their children when Myriam decides to return to work.

    As Louise becomes an indispensable part of their household, cracks begin to form in her seemingly perfect façade. The novel delves into themes of class, privilege, power dynamics, and the alienation of modern domestic life. It offers a haunting exploration of the complexities of dependency and the darker undercurrents of human relationships.

    The Perfect Nanny won the Prix Goncourt, one of France's most prestigious literary awards, in 2016.





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  • LF281 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 28 Feb 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • 6 rue Saint Louis en Île, 75004
    • 8

    A book has not been chosen yet for the February 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 in the 15th arrondissement, and the directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration.

    Registration for the February meeting opens on 25 January 2025




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  • LM281 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 28 Mar 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
    • 6 rue Saint Louis en Île, 75004
    • 9

    A book has not been chosen yet for the March 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 in the 15th arrondissement, and the directions, door code, telephone number, etc., are sent following registration.

    Registration for the March meeting opens on 28 February 2025.




    Show details