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

  • LF281 Café Littéraire Book Group: Fear and Trembling, by Amélie Nothomb

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

     

    Note: The registration limit for this event has been reached. The next book group reading will be on 28 March ("Clara Reads Proust"), and registration for that will open on 29 February.

    "Fear and Trembling" (Stupeur et Tremblements), by Amélie Nothomb, is about Amélie, a young Belgian woman who spent her early years in Japan before moving to her native Belgium. She returns to Japan as a translator for the prestigious Yumimoto company, where her struggles with cultural misunderstandings lead to a series of comedic and tense mishaps. Under Fubuki Mori, her initially friendly supervisor, Amélie’s attempts to contribute, like delivering mail or assisting a manager with a report, are seen as violations of hierarchy. These actions escalate tensions, with Fubuki perceiving Amélie as disrespectful, while Amélie feels stifled by rigid company traditions. Their relationship deteriorates when Amélie tries to console Fubuki after a public humiliation, an act misinterpreted as hostility.

    Despite being demoted to cleaning bathrooms, Amélie endures her contract to avoid losing face, reflecting a Japanese emphasis on perseverance. After returning to Belgium, she publishes her first novel, receiving a brief acknowledgment from Fubuki years later. The story explores cultural clashes, hierarchy, and the weight of differing concepts of responsibility and respect.

    "Fear and Trembling" was was awarded the Grand Prix du Roman de l'Académie Française in 2001, and it was adapted into the film Fear and Trembling in 2003.





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  • LM281 Café Littéraire: Clara Reads Proust

    • 28 Mar 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 6 rue Saint Louis en Île, 75004
    • 9

    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. 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 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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