“Je veux lire en français… mais je ne comprends rien !”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Reading in French can feel overwhelming, especially when every sentence seems like a puzzle. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to understand every word to enjoy a book in French. You just need the right book—and a better way to approach reading.
In this article, I’ll show you why “La Tresse” by Laetitia Colombani is the perfect book to improve your French reading skills—and I’ll share simple techniques to help you actually enjoy reading in French, even if you’re not fluent yet.
Why Reading in French Feels So Frustrating (And What to Do About It)
Many French learners approach reading with one goal: understanding everything. But this goal creates pressure, slows you down, and sucks the joy out of the experience.
The secret?
Let go of perfection. Focus on the story. Trust that your brain will absorb what matters.
Here’s what often goes wrong:
- You stop at every unknown word.
- You translate in your head.
- You feel lost after a few paragraphs.
Let’s change that.
3 Simple Tips to Read in French Without Getting Stuck
Whether you’re A2 or advanced C1, these techniques will help you read more naturally:
1. Don’t translate—guess from context
Look at the sentence as a whole. What’s the tone? What’s happening? Use what you know to move forward.
2. Use a notebook—not a dictionary
Jot down only the words you see often. Don’t interrupt your flow every two minutes.
3. Focus on key words
You don’t need 100% comprehension. If you catch the subject, the verb, and a few descriptive words—you’re doing great.
Why La Tresse Is the Perfect Book to Learn French
La Tresse tells the powerful story of three women in different parts of the world. Their lives are completely different—but deeply connected.
This novel is:
- Engaging: You’ll want to know what happens next.
- Accessible: The writing is simple yet rich in meaning.
- Perfect for learners: Whether you’re A2 or C2, you’ll find language you can understand—and phrases you’ll want to remember.
And it’s not just “easy French.” It’s real French—the kind you’ll hear, feel, and start using yourself.
Summary of La Tresse (No Spoilers!)
Without giving too much away, La Tresse follows three women:
- Smita, in India
- Giulia, in Sicily
- Sarah, in Canada
Each woman faces a life-changing challenge. Each must fight for dignity, hope, and transformation. Their stories braid together (hence the title, la tresse) into a powerful message of resilience and strength.
It’s emotional, beautifully written, and full of rich vocabulary—without being overwhelming.
Keep Growing Your French with Books
Reading in French isn’t just about learning new words. It’s about:
- Absorbing rhythm and structure
- Seeing grammar in action
- Feeling more confident with real French
So grab La Tresse, find a cozy spot, and give yourself permission to enjoy the process.
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