Best Novels & Stories 2025: Télérama Readers’ Picks

Readers’ Choice: The Top Novels of 2025 Reflect a Desire for bold,New Voices

Nearly four thousand readers weighed in,revealing a preference for narratives that blur the lines between poetry,investigation,reality,and fiction. The selections, compiled from votes cast throughout 2025, showcase a growing appetite for singular and powerful storytelling.

A Shift in Literary Tastes

Over the past three years, readers have consistently demonstrated a keen eye for compelling literature. In 2023, sad tiger by Neige Sinno (POL) captivated audiences, while in 2024, gay’s Jacaranda (Grasset) earned the top spot.This year’s results build on that trend, highlighting a desire for books that challenge conventions and offer fresh perspectives.

Did you know? – The Goncourt Prize, awarded to Laurent Mauvignier, is one of France’s most prestigious literary honors. it often boosts book sales substantially.

Laura Vazquez Dominates the List

topping the charts for 2025 is The Forces by Laura Vazquez (ed. du Sous-Sol), described as a “bitter and powerful” work.The novel resonated deeply with readers, establishing Vazquez as a leading voice in contemporary literature.

In a surprising showing, Vazquez also secured the second position with My real name is Elizabeth (ed. du Sous-Sol), a family investigation penned by Adèle Yon. The book,which has already sold over 200,000 copies since its February release,is lauded as an “admirable” and captivating read. According to reports, the novel’s success demonstrates a strong connection with audiences seeking deeply personal and emotionally resonant stories.

Pro tip – Explore smaller publishing houses like ed.du Sous-Sol. They often champion innovative and emerging authors.

Mauvignier’s Goncourt-Winning novel Rounds Out the Top Three

Securing the third spot is Laurent Mauvignier’s The Empty House (ed. of Minuit), the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Goncourt prize. The novel is characterized as a “dazzling and romantic” saga of “infinite modesty.”

Beyond the Podium: Othre notable Mentions

The reader’s choices align closely with critical acclaim, with several titles also receiving recognition from Telerama throughout the year. These include The Figure by bertrand Belin (ed.POL), All lives by Rebeka Warrior (ed. Stock), Night in the heart by Nathacha Appanah (ed. Gallimard), and works by established authors such as Emmanuel carrère, Leila Slimani, Nicolas demorand, and Pierre Lemaître.

Reader question – What draws you to novels that blend genres like poetry and investigation? Share your thoughts!

Here’s a complete look at the top five novels of 2025, according to our readers:

• 1. The Forces, by Laura Vazquez
• 2. My real name is Elizabeth, by adèle Yon
• 3.The Empty House, by Laurent Mauvignier
• 4. The Figure, by Bertrand Belin
• 5. All lives, by Rebeka Warrior

These selections offer a compelling snapshot o