French Book Recommendation: Les Thanatonautes by Bernard Werber
THANATONAUTE n. m. (du grec thanatos, mort, et nautês, navigateur). Explorateur de la mort.
— Dictionnaire
This article is the first in a series of book reviews specifically written for French learners who want to explore French literature while improving their language skills.
On the one hand, French literature is pretty famous, with some of the most recognizable authors in history. But this is in the past. Can you name any author after Camus? Probably not.
The modern French literature is essentially invisible; even if you go to the native speakers and ask for a recommendation, there is a good chance that they won’t be able to.
At the same time, it’s much better for your French learning than the classics, which are a bit too niche.
I’ll be sharing personal impressions, what to expect linguistically, and whether a book is a good fit depending on your level. Let’s start with a science fiction novel that left a big impression on me: Les Thanatonautes by Bernard Werber.
This is the first entry in the series Cycle des Anges, the other one being L’Empire des anges.
A word of caution: French science fiction can be very different from the Anglo-Saxon works, I suggest being open-minded.
Overall Impression
I didn’t expect Les Thanatonautes to hook me the way it did, but it turned out to be one of the most surprising and imaginative books I’ve read. Werber takes a topic that could easily feel heavy (death), and turns it into something curious.
As one of my aquaintances said a long time ago:
I love Werber. You read it and it is as if you don’t fear death anymore.
The story follows Michael Pinson and his friend Raoul as they decide to explore the afterlife systematically, like scientists exploring a new continent. Have you heard the phrase “born too late for the sea exploration, born too early for the space exploration”? Well these guys were born just in time to explore the afterlife.
One thing I loved is the mix of science, mythology, philosophy, and little references to different religions and cultures. Each chapter brings some new idea: a myth, a scientific theory, or a philosophical question. It makes the book feel both entertaining and smart, without becoming overly complicated.
The characters also feel very human. Even when a character appears to be a complete Mary Sue at first, you quickly learn that they are as flawed as the rest of us.
And I related hard to Michael in some scenes. I’ve also never cried at funerals and people would berate me for it, now I feel seen!
There are slow moments, but even then it feels like the story is not standing still, it always feels like it’s building toward something.
How Difficult Is the French?
Since this review is meant for French learners, here’s the breakdown.
Werber’s writing style is generally clear, accessible, and fluid, which is one of the reasons I recommend it to intermediate French learners. The book was released in 1994 so the vocabulary is pretty modern, too.
There are sometimes paragraphs touch more abstract themes, but nothing too crazy.
Suggested level: weak B2.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely - especially if you like books that make you think. Les Thanatonautes is very imaginative and unlike many things you’ve read. It’s the kind of novel that stays with you long after finishing it.
For French learners looking for a book that is both accessible and interesting, this is a great choice. It might stretch your vocabulary, but it won’t overwhelm you, and you’ll come out of it with a lot to reflect on.
If you enjoy this kind of mix between adventure and philosophy, I think you’ll feel the same.
Links
The links are not affiliated, provided only for your convenience: