Newsletter 
In February, we present four literary recommendations: our current favorites selected from the collection of the Institute’s library. All of these titles are available for borrowing at the Institute’s library.
La bonne mère
Mathilda di Matteo, Iconoclaste, 2025, 347 pages.
La bonne mère is Mathilda di Matteo’s debut novel, which has received widespread acclaim in France. The novel tells the story of a mother and daughter who are like night and day. Clara has left Marseille behind to study at a prestigious university in Paris. Her flamboyant mother, Véro, welcomes Clara home for the weekend along with her new Parisian boyfriend from a privileged background. This powerfully raw and beautiful story explores social mobility, shame, pride, and maternal love.
Badjens
Delphine Minoui, Seuil, 2025, 150 pages.
“Badjens” is a Persian word meaning shameless or bold.
In this timely novel, Franco-Iranian journalist Delphine Minoui gives a voice to young Iranian women who rose up in protest and shook the Islamic Republic in September 2022. The story is both moving and compelling, offering a vivid portrait of present-day Iran and showing how rebellion takes root in minds and hearts.
Zouk et son copain Nono
Serge Bloch & Nicolas Hubesch, Bayard Jeunesse, 2028, 64 pages.
More titles have arrived at the library in the hugely popular children’s book series Zouk, which follows the adventures and mishaps of a little witch.
Among the new arrivals is a book perfect for Valentine’s Day: Zouk and her (boy)friend Nono… <3
“Zouk, a spirited little witch, has a very kind friend: Nono. But Nono is also clingy, chatty, cowardly, boastful and… secretly in love with Zouk! Of course, the little witch takes advantage of the situation, teasing Nono and playing truly hilarious tricks on him. Luckily, in the end, Nono doesn’t remember a thing!”
Le journal de Samuel
Émilie Tronche, Casterman, 2025, 320 pages.
Samuel’s Diary is an immersion into the life of Samuel, a 10-year-old boy: his friendships, school life, and first crushes.
A fresh and lively comic book that perfectly captures the pre-teen years. This graphic novel is adapted from a television series broadcast on Arte.