Roman à clef (pronounced roh-máhn a clay) is French for "novel with a key." A roman à clef is a novel where actual events are given a fictional sheen, but can be read as an account of true events if you understand the key. The name originates from seventeenth century French writer Madeline de Scudéry's romances set in the court of Louis XIV. The roman à clef form is often used to avoid charges of libel or sedition when reporting scandals.


Tale of a Tub - Jonathon Swift
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway
Valley of the Dolls - Jacqueline Susan
Primary Colors - Anonymous
Cain's Book - Alexander Trocchi
