A

Annie Ernaux

Bestselling Author • 2 Series • 20 Books

2
Series
20
Books
2
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: A Frozen Woman (1981)

About Annie Ernaux

In 1960, she traveled to London, where she worked as an au pair, which is an experience that she would later relate in “A Girl’s Story”, in 2016. Upon returning to France, she studied at the universities of Rouen and later Bordeaux, qualified as a schoolteacher, and she earned a higher degree in modern literature in 1971. Annie worked for a time on a thesis project, which went unfinished, on Pierre de Marivaux. During the early 70s, she taught at a lcyee in Bonneville, Haute-Savoie, at the college of Evire in Annecy-le-Vieux, then in Pontoise, before she joined the National Centre for Distance Education, where she was employed for 23 years. Annie began her literary career in 1974 with “Cleaned Out”, an autobiographical novel. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Annie Ernaux has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Annie Ernaux

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 1974–2003
1

Cleaned Out

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Cleaned Out, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1974
2

Do What They Say or Else

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Do What They Say or Else, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1977
3

The Possession

The Possession is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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2003
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
17 books 1981–2023
1

A Frozen Woman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A Frozen Woman, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1981
2

A Man's Place

A Man's Place continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Annie Ernaux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
3

A Woman's Story

A Woman's Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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1987
4

Simple Passion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Simple Passion, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1991
5

Positions

Positions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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1991
6

Exteriors

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Exteriors, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1993
7

Passion Perfect

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Passion Perfect, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1993
8

I Remain in Darkness

I Remain in Darkness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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1996
9

Shame

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Shame, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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1997
10

Happening

Happening is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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2000
11

The Years

The Years is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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2008
12

Things Seen

Things Seen continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Annie Ernaux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
13

A Girl's Story

A Girl's Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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2020
14

Getting Lost

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Getting Lost, another outstanding contribution from Annie Ernaux.

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2022
15

Look at the Lights, My Love

Look at the Lights, My Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Annie Ernaux.

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2023
16

The Young Man

The Young Man continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Annie Ernaux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
17

I Will Write to Avenge My People

I Will Write to Avenge My People is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Annie Ernaux have come to expect.

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2023

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Annie Ernaux?

Annie Ernaux is a bestselling author known for 2 book series containing over 20 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Annie Ernaux series to start with?

For readers new to Annie Ernaux's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 17 books. Begin with A Frozen Woman to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Annie Ernaux written?

Annie Ernaux has written over 20 books across 2 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Annie Ernaux books in order?

Yes, reading Annie Ernaux's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Annie Ernaux write in?

Annie Ernaux writes primarily in fiction. With 2 series across 20 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Annie Ernaux's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Annie Ernaux's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Annie Ernaux's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Annie Ernaux's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, A Frozen Woman, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.