Read a book. Ask me questions. Get feedback.

Join me for 5 x 60 minutes live group session!

Intermediate – Advanced level

January 7 – February 4 2025
Every Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:00 PM (time in UK) / 6pm France / 12 noon EDT / 9am PDT
125€ (25€ per 60-minute class)

We’ll be exploring Prosper Mérimée‘s captivating novella, “La Vénus d’Ille“. Over 5 sessions of 60 minutes each, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions, improve your comprehension, and enrich your French vocabulary.

This book club is designed to help you:

• Improve your reading comprehension of authentic French literature
• Expand your vocabulary in context
• Enhance your speaking abilities through guided discussions
• Gain cultural insights into French society and diverse perspectives
• Build confidence in expressing complex ideas in French

Molly shared :

I enjoyed figuring out and learning deeper meanings of the book through everyone’s input. The book club also reaffirms your approach to acquiring the language. I understand more and really get the flow, feeling, and sense of French.

Class format

• 5 sessions of 60 minutes each
• Thoughtful group discussions
• Reading of selected excerpts together
• Focus on fine-tuning text comprehension
• Vocabulary enrichment

About the book

“La Vénus d’Ille” is a gripping tale that blends mystery, romance, and the supernatural. The story revolves around an archaeologist who visits a small town to examine ancient ruins. There, he encounters a recently unearthed bronze statue of Venus, which becomes the center of strange and unsettling events. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Prosper Mérimée (1803-1870) was a renowned French writer, historian, and archaeologist. He is best known for his novellas, including “Carmen,” which inspired the famous opera. Mérimée’s work often features elements of exoticism, history, and the supernatural.

It is 40 pages long: approximately 8 pages will need to be read each week before class.
Please note that you will have to purchase the book before the book club starts. You can also download a free digital copy online.

Peggy shared:

In the novel sessions, I enjoyed interacting with more advanced students. Alice’s repetition, summary, and responses to their comments enabled all of us to understand even when our vocabularies fell short.

Additional information

• Classes conducted online via Zoom
• Limited to 8 students per group
• Class notes and resources shared on a private webpage
• Secure payment via Stripe (group classes are non-refundable)
• Missed sessions: access to class recording, notes, and materials.

Recordings ONLY

The October French Book Club is closed now but you can still view the replay.

We read “Mr Ibrahim et les fleurs du Coran” by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt.

You can still be part of the conversation and enjoy all the insights shared during our meetings by purchasing access to the recordings.

What You Get:

• Full Access to Recordings: Watch the replays of each session at your convenience, so you won’t miss out on any discussions or valuable insights.
• Class Materials: enjoy all the resources shared during each session, enhancing your understanding of the book and enriching your reading experience.
• Private Viewing Page: gain exclusive access to a dedicated page where you can easily view all replays and materials from past sessions.

Don’t let a busy schedule hold you back from joining our vibrant literary community! Watch the replay for only 60€.