I watched Fanfan the film way before reading the book. I didn’t even know there was a book back then. So when I saw the book, I immediately bought it and started reading because the film was excellent! Vincent Perez played Alexandre, and Sophie Marceau was Fanfan.
It had changed my view of love and relationships at that young age. I can also say I used it as a guide in my love life, and it changed my understanding of relationships. When I read his book years later, I can wholeheartedly say that I am still and even more impressed. The book is, of course, much better than the movie. There are very few books that I can say otherwise.

Fanfan, published in 1990, became very popular at the time and has been translated into more than twenty languages. In my opinion, this is undoubtedly one of the timeless books out there. While it appeals to everyone, I think it is a book that gives its readers more than they expect. Fanfan is a novel that looks at love, relationships, women, men and people with entirely different perspectives. What people in love can and cannot do, betrayal, passion and sexuality are wonderfully penned.
What impressed me the most is that we change the things we thought unchangeable in a snap when we are in love. Here, Alexandre comes in. With him; inquiries, changes, heart palpitations and “why do we even live?” questions come alive. Although the narrator is Alexander, it is not difficult to identify with Fanfan; especially for women. We understand what and why she is doing things, and we laugh and cry with her.
I recommend Fanfan to everyone! Please read the book first, then watch the movie. It will be great for your isolation blues.

Fanfan
Shocked by the liberalism of his parent’s Sixties lifestyle, Alexandre vows to remain faithful to his fiancee Laure – until the arrival of the beautiful Fanfan throws him into confusion. In order to remain true to his ideals, he determines to woo her without admitting to physical passion.
Alexandre Jardin
Alexandre Jardin is a French writer, film director and winner of the Prix Femina, 1988, for Le Zèbre.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges: