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

  • LA251 Café Littéraire: "La Familia Grande," by Camile Kouchner

    • 25 Apr 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (CEST)
    • To be announced
    • 0

    In La Familia Grande, Camille Kouchner delivers a powerful and deeply personal memoir that shook France to its core. The book recounts the hidden trauma within her prominent intellectual family when she reveals that her twin brother was sexually abused by their stepfather, Olivier Duhamel—a well-known academic and public figure. Set against the backdrop of elite Parisian society in the late 20th century, Kouchner exposes the silence, denial, and complicity that allowed such abuse to continue unspoken for decades.

    What makes this memoir so compelling is not only the harrowing subject matter but the emotional nuance Kouchner brings as she wrestles with loyalty, guilt, and the crushing weight of long-held family secrets. Her courageous decision to speak out helped spark a national reckoning in France about incest and child abuse, often taboo topics even in progressive circles.

    La Familia Grande is more than a personal exposé—it’s a searing critique of societal denial and a call for accountability, justice, and the power of truth-telling. For book groups, it offers rich material for discussion on family dynamics, moral courage, and the challenges of confronting painful truths in close-knit communities.

    The discussion will be in English.



    The May meeting will be held at a member's apartment near Place de la République. The address, door code, phone number, etc., will be send in the 7-day and 1-day reminder emails.





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  • LY231 Café Littéraire Book Group

    • 23 May 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (CEST)
    • 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 (CEST)
    • 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.




    Show details