Contes du jour et de la nuit

Contes du jour et de la nuit

Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893)

Approximate level
B2
Length
43,653 words
Reading time
3 h 38 min
Chapters
21
Language
French
On Project Gutenberg since
2005

This collection of short stories by Guy de Maupassant offers a vivid look at rural life in nineteenth century France. You will encounter descriptive language focused on the natural landscape and the daily routines of villagers. The sentences are often long and descriptive, requiring careful attention to detail and vocabulary related to agriculture and travel. It is a demanding read because of the specific period vocabulary, but the clear narrative structure helps you follow the postman as he makes his rounds.

1,030 downloads on Project Gutenberg

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Subjects

  • Short stories, French
  • French fiction -- 19th century

Questions about this book

What level of French do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

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How long does it take to read?

About 3 h 38 min at a native pace, spread over 21 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.