Coucou les French learners,

Have you ever considered the incredible power of reading a book in French? I believe it is the most effective way to acquire vocabulary and grammar effortlessly, without the need for tedious study sessions.

As you immerse yourself in a story, your brain naturally absorbs language patterns, idioms, and cultural nuances.

However, the main challenge for language learners is finding THE book. Finding a good book that’s both captivating and comprehensible enough to avoid frustration.

Here is a good book that I believe strikes the perfect balance for intermediate learners.

This Month’s Book Suggestion: Un sac de billes

My recommendation is “Un sac de billes” (A Bag of Marbles) by Joseph Joffo.

About the Author

Joseph Joffo was a French author born in Paris in 1931. He was of Jewish descent and lived through the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. In 1973, at the age of 42, Joffo published “Un sac de billes,” which became an instant bestseller.

The book, written as a novel but based on his wartime experiences, tells the story of his journey across France as a young Jewish boy escaping Nazi persecution. The memoir has been translated into 18 languages and has touched readers worldwide with its poignant narrative of survival and resilience.

Throughout his life, Joffo continued to write and share his experiences. He became a voice for Holocaust survivors and a keeper of memory for a generation that lived through one of history’s darkest periods. Joseph Joffo passed away on December 6, 2018, in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes, France, at the age of 87.

Book Summary

“Un sac de billes” tells the true story of Joseph (the author) and his older brother Maurice, two young Jewish boys living in the 18th arrondissemnt, in Paris during World War II.

At the age of ten, he and his twelve-year-old brother Maurice were given 5,000 francs each by their father and instructed to flee Nazi-occupied Paris. The boys were to travel by foot, train, and bus to join their older brothers Henri and Albert in Menton on the Mediterranean coast, which was then in Vichy France and unoccupied by the Nazis.

The book recounts their adventures, challenges, and the kindness of strangers they encounter along the way.

Why This Book?

This book is both captivating and comprenhensible (for intermediate learners).

It offers a personal perspective on a significant historical event, making it ideal if you are interested in history, World War II, or true stories.

The narrative is engaging, filled with both tense moments and touching encounters.

For intermediate learners, “Un sac de billes” is an excellent choice. It’s not overly long, and the vocabulary and sentence structures are generally accessible. The story’s pacing keeps readers engaged, making it easier to push through challenging passages.

A Note on Language

While the book is generally accessible, be aware that it contains some older vocabulary that’s less common in modern French.

For example, “une musette” (a small canvas bag) is a term you might not encounter in everyday contemporary French. Nowadays, the French would say “un sac à dos” (a backpack).

Additionally, the book uses some “argot“, French slang or colloquial language. For instance, you might come across phrases like “se faire la belle” (to escape), “un mec” (a guy), or “la trouille” (fear).

These expressions add authenticity to the narrative and offer valuable insights into informal French but can be difficult to grasp.

Join my Book Club!

Excited to dive into this compelling story? Join my book club starting next Friday September 20, where we’ll discuss “Un sac de billes” together.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the book in depth in a supportive environment and to keep reading the book.

• Engage in thoughtful, authentic discussions about the book and life in general
• Expand your French vocabulary, particularly related to history and human experiences
• Build fluency through regular reading and conversation
• Gain insights into French culture and history during World War II

CLICK HERE TO JOIN!

I can’t wait to explore “Un sac de billes” with you and support your French language adventure!

Weekly French Classes

If you’re looking for regular opportunities to interact in French, join my weekly French classes on Zoom. Starting next week, you have the choice from beginner plus to advanced levels.

It’s a perfect way to accelerate your French journey. Click here to join!