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The Penguin Books of Short Stories
The Penguin Book of French Short Stories vol. 2 : From Colette to Marie NDiaye
A SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR
'Beautiful and deep ... a sumptuous treat for any book lover' The Independent
'There is so much to discover in these stories - both history and food for short story lovers everywhere' Irish Times
*A major new celebration of the French short story across the twentieth century*
The short story has a rich tradition in French literature. This feast of an anthology celebrates its most famous practitioners, as well as newly translated writers ready for rediscovery. Here are fables, puzzles, fairy tales, war stories and family histories, testing and expanding the boundaries of the form. They are stories about the self and the other, the centre and the periphery, experimental and existential, real and surreal.
The second volume takes the reader through the tumultuous twentieth century in the company of writers including Simone de Beauvoir and Maryse Condé, Patrick Modiano and Virginie Despentes, covering world wars, revolutions, and the horrors of the motorway service station. Along the way we meet electronic brains, she-wolves, a sadistic Cinderella, ancestors, infidels, dissatisfied housewives and lonely ambassadors, all clamouring to be heard. Funny, devastating and fresh at every turn, this is the place to start for lovers of French literature, new and old.
Edited and with an introduction by Patrick McGuinness, academic, writer and translator.
'Beautiful and deep ... a sumptuous treat for any book lover' The Independent
'There is so much to discover in these stories - both history and food for short story lovers everywhere' Irish Times
*A major new celebration of the French short story across the twentieth century*
The short story has a rich tradition in French literature. This feast of an anthology celebrates its most famous practitioners, as well as newly translated writers ready for rediscovery. Here are fables, puzzles, fairy tales, war stories and family histories, testing and expanding the boundaries of the form. They are stories about the self and the other, the centre and the periphery, experimental and existential, real and surreal.
The second volume takes the reader through the tumultuous twentieth century in the company of writers including Simone de Beauvoir and Maryse Condé, Patrick Modiano and Virginie Despentes, covering world wars, revolutions, and the horrors of the motorway service station. Along the way we meet electronic brains, she-wolves, a sadistic Cinderella, ancestors, infidels, dissatisfied housewives and lonely ambassadors, all clamouring to be heard. Funny, devastating and fresh at every turn, this is the place to start for lovers of French literature, new and old.
Edited and with an introduction by Patrick McGuinness, academic, writer and translator.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2022
About the author
Patrick McGuinness
52 books71 followersBorn in Tunisia in 1968 to a Belgian French-speaking mother and an English father of Irish descent, he grew up in Belgium and also lived for periods in Venezuela, Iran, Romania and the UK. He currently lives in Oxford and in Wales teaching French and Comparative Literature at St Anne's College, Oxford.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2022
This review is also of Volume 1
Two volumes of eclectic writing spanning several centuries.
I have to apologise in advance as reviewing both Volume 1 and Volume 2 means there will be some generality to my thoughts but what we have here in these volumes is an absolute cornucopia of reading that encompasses not only many centuries, but many genres, styles and relevance to readers.
I found the introduction (repeated in both volumes) by Patrick McGuinness absolutely fascinating as he contemplates the nature of both the short story and the definition of Frenchness for their inclusion here. I loved the way in which each translator is acknowledged at the end of each story too, along with brief biographies of the authors at the end of each volume, as these features add a layer of interest as well as a feeling of community that transcends the stories themselves. I think it says something about the quality of translation too that the earlier stories in the first volume are equally as accessible as those belonging to the C20th entries in volume two.
With over 40 stories in each volume, there really is something here for everyone. Whilst I was familiar with obvious names like Balzac, Maupassant, de Beauvoir et al, I discovered so many I knew nothing about such as Sarzan by Birago Diop, so that The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories became a treasure trove of delight, discovering new authors, styles and literary approaches. I also found myself scuttling off to find out more about those new-to-me authors so that The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories have a life beyond simply reading the stories themselves. They are hugely educational whilst being totally absorbing and diverting.
As well as beautifully translated fiction with riveting stories in just about every conceivable genre, The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories somehow seem to enhance humanity. They encompass the real and the imagined, the corporeal world and the supernatural, war and peace, the prosaic and the exceptional, with all manner of themes that amplify the human condition and emotions from jealousy and passion through impatience and boredom to elation and love. To dip into both volumes of The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories is to dip into the hearts, minds and souls of writers, characters and themes across the ages.
These two volumes are filled to the brim with entertainment that the reader can return to time and again. They would make wonderful gifts and offer an enriching reading experience that I haven’t finished with yet. I’ll be returning to The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories time and again. I thought both volumes were excellent and really recommend them.
Two volumes of eclectic writing spanning several centuries.
I have to apologise in advance as reviewing both Volume 1 and Volume 2 means there will be some generality to my thoughts but what we have here in these volumes is an absolute cornucopia of reading that encompasses not only many centuries, but many genres, styles and relevance to readers.
I found the introduction (repeated in both volumes) by Patrick McGuinness absolutely fascinating as he contemplates the nature of both the short story and the definition of Frenchness for their inclusion here. I loved the way in which each translator is acknowledged at the end of each story too, along with brief biographies of the authors at the end of each volume, as these features add a layer of interest as well as a feeling of community that transcends the stories themselves. I think it says something about the quality of translation too that the earlier stories in the first volume are equally as accessible as those belonging to the C20th entries in volume two.
With over 40 stories in each volume, there really is something here for everyone. Whilst I was familiar with obvious names like Balzac, Maupassant, de Beauvoir et al, I discovered so many I knew nothing about such as Sarzan by Birago Diop, so that The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories became a treasure trove of delight, discovering new authors, styles and literary approaches. I also found myself scuttling off to find out more about those new-to-me authors so that The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories have a life beyond simply reading the stories themselves. They are hugely educational whilst being totally absorbing and diverting.
As well as beautifully translated fiction with riveting stories in just about every conceivable genre, The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories somehow seem to enhance humanity. They encompass the real and the imagined, the corporeal world and the supernatural, war and peace, the prosaic and the exceptional, with all manner of themes that amplify the human condition and emotions from jealousy and passion through impatience and boredom to elation and love. To dip into both volumes of The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories is to dip into the hearts, minds and souls of writers, characters and themes across the ages.
These two volumes are filled to the brim with entertainment that the reader can return to time and again. They would make wonderful gifts and offer an enriching reading experience that I haven’t finished with yet. I’ll be returning to The Penguin Book(s) of French Short Stories time and again. I thought both volumes were excellent and really recommend them.
March 24, 2025
Not as great as I hoped it would be.
July 19, 2025
Great collection! Both well known and lesser known writers, a delightful assembly of topics and styles, magnificently translated by a coterie of translators, and expertly edited and prefaced by Patrick McGuiness. It was lovely to see several female and francophone writers of colour in the midst. Surely not an easy task for the editor, but successful nonetheless.
March 24, 2026
Liked the writing for some of the stories, didn't like it for the others... Glad I found a copy of this book for really cheap tho!
June 23, 2024
"Exploring the Twentieth Century: A Journey Through Modern French Short Stories"
Penguin's second volume of French short stories propels readers through the tumultuous twentieth century, featuring iconic writers like Simone de Beauvoir, Maryse Condé, Patrick Modiano, and Virginie Despentes. This collection masterfully encapsulates the era's vast historical landscape, touching on world wars, revolutions, and the mundane yet profound experiences of modern life. Within these pages, readers will encounter electronic brains, she-wolves, a sadistic Cinderella, ancestors, infidels, dissatisfied housewives, and lonely ambassadors, each with a unique story to tell. This anthology promises a fresh and engaging entry point for both new and seasoned lovers of French literature.
The legacies of colonialism profoundly shape the narratives in Volume 2, adding rich diversity to the conversation. Maryse Condé's memoir, "Family Portrait," stands out with its gripping portrayal of her parents' experience during World War II. For them, the war was less about geopolitical upheaval and more about being cut off from France, the "Mother Country" and the "City of Light" that illuminated their lives.
Editor Patrick McGuinness emphasizes the interconnectedness of classic stories with other literary forms. The inclusion of prose poems by Baudelaire, Mallarmé, and Charles Cros showcases this blend, with McGuinness himself translating many pieces, including Félix Fénéon's darkly ironic three-line novellas. One such novella succinctly captures the genre's sharp wit: "La Verbeau hit Marie Champion square on the breasts, but burned his own eye, because a bowl of acid is not a precision weapon."
The influence of the French short story extends well beyond its national borders. McGuinness highlights how these stories contribute to an ongoing international literary dialogue. For instance, Jorge Luis Borges cites Marcel Schwob’s "Imaginary Lives" as an influence on his own "A Universal History of Infamy." Similarly, Christian Garcin’s "The Goldfish" invites comparisons with Julio Cortázar's "Axolotl," demonstrating the deep, cross-cultural connections within the genre.
This anthology offers a wealth of discovery for readers, providing both historical context and delightful reading for short story enthusiasts. In the words of Marcel Proust, “with men [and women!] like these we do really fly from star to star,” capturing the boundless imagination and emotional depth found within these compelling narratives.
Penguin's second volume of French short stories propels readers through the tumultuous twentieth century, featuring iconic writers like Simone de Beauvoir, Maryse Condé, Patrick Modiano, and Virginie Despentes. This collection masterfully encapsulates the era's vast historical landscape, touching on world wars, revolutions, and the mundane yet profound experiences of modern life. Within these pages, readers will encounter electronic brains, she-wolves, a sadistic Cinderella, ancestors, infidels, dissatisfied housewives, and lonely ambassadors, each with a unique story to tell. This anthology promises a fresh and engaging entry point for both new and seasoned lovers of French literature.
The legacies of colonialism profoundly shape the narratives in Volume 2, adding rich diversity to the conversation. Maryse Condé's memoir, "Family Portrait," stands out with its gripping portrayal of her parents' experience during World War II. For them, the war was less about geopolitical upheaval and more about being cut off from France, the "Mother Country" and the "City of Light" that illuminated their lives.
Editor Patrick McGuinness emphasizes the interconnectedness of classic stories with other literary forms. The inclusion of prose poems by Baudelaire, Mallarmé, and Charles Cros showcases this blend, with McGuinness himself translating many pieces, including Félix Fénéon's darkly ironic three-line novellas. One such novella succinctly captures the genre's sharp wit: "La Verbeau hit Marie Champion square on the breasts, but burned his own eye, because a bowl of acid is not a precision weapon."
The influence of the French short story extends well beyond its national borders. McGuinness highlights how these stories contribute to an ongoing international literary dialogue. For instance, Jorge Luis Borges cites Marcel Schwob’s "Imaginary Lives" as an influence on his own "A Universal History of Infamy." Similarly, Christian Garcin’s "The Goldfish" invites comparisons with Julio Cortázar's "Axolotl," demonstrating the deep, cross-cultural connections within the genre.
This anthology offers a wealth of discovery for readers, providing both historical context and delightful reading for short story enthusiasts. In the words of Marcel Proust, “with men [and women!] like these we do really fly from star to star,” capturing the boundless imagination and emotional depth found within these compelling narratives.
August 2, 2024
Some authors I expected to find here were unavailable due to copyright issues (eg Camus, Sartre), but a good selection nevertheless: not every one a hit with me, but enough to enjoy. I particularly liked Nemirovsky, Bove, Perec, Duras, Sagan and of the younger writers, Despentes.
#I loved Simone de Beauvoir too (first time I've read her), but found her piece Monologue disconcerting as it has a similar theme (lone woman losing her mind), style (no commas rant) and content/tone (strange relationship with her dead daughter* and prickly relationship with men) to a story of mine about to be re-published in Best British Short Stories 2024 (written 3 years ago).
*mine has an imaginary son
#I loved Simone de Beauvoir too (first time I've read her), but found her piece Monologue disconcerting as it has a similar theme (lone woman losing her mind), style (no commas rant) and content/tone (strange relationship with her dead daughter* and prickly relationship with men) to a story of mine about to be re-published in Best British Short Stories 2024 (written 3 years ago).
*mine has an imaginary son
April 23, 2025
An interesting van varied introduction into French literature. The stories I appreciated most:
Simone De Beauvoir - Monologue
Marguerite Yourcenar - The Man Who Loved Nereids
Irène Némirovsky - Sunday
Raymond Queneau - A Tale For Your Shaping
Simone De Beauvoir - Monologue
Marguerite Yourcenar - The Man Who Loved Nereids
Irène Némirovsky - Sunday
Raymond Queneau - A Tale For Your Shaping
March 19, 2024
Well, let's just say that there were a lot of twists I didn't expect.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews