Thanks Catriona. Pressure is mounting now to translate Bourcet's book . . . I've never before felt so drawn to translate so maybe I'll have to follow my instinct and your urging to just do it!
Shopping malls!! Aaaghhh! Worse even than supermarkets because they are so much bigger and noisier.
As for other French authors in translation, one that springs to mind is Amelie Nothomb (she's Belgian but writes in French). Several of her books have been translated. Fear and Trembling, about her experience of living in Japan, might strike a chord with you. There is also a famous novel, titled in English The Opposing Shore that might appeal. Happy reading!
Delighted that I'm opening up your imagination, Patrick! It is a noble and kind thing that you are caring for your elderly mother, and not easy. I tend to think I'm organised when I'm shopping but once I get into a supermarket my mind goes blank and I invariably forget something even when it's on my list!
Yes of course to an extent I was reimagining my encounter with Marguerite Bourcet but I did spend rather a long time reading the preface and skimming the book at the entrance to the shop, forgetting that my husband and the dogs were standing outside waiting for me, in the rain!
Facts are stranger than fiction but a straight account of the facts of a life doesn't involve the reader intimately in that life or make her feel she has met the person. That's where the inventive power of the historical novelist comes into play, bringing the reader into the world of the subject and evoking its texture.
What a wonderful conundrum you have exposed via this fascinating novel - and how pleased we must all be that you found it while escaping your domestic duties! . I am sure, like me, that all your readers are captivated by what we have heard so far... so please .. do take on the translation so all can enjoy this gem!
Thank you for that comment Laurence, but even more for organising a great festival with a diverse and interesting array of writers, including the historical novelists I mention in my newsletter. On the evidence of their presentations I have a lot of research to do before starting my book!
i really enjoyed this article, especially the reference to the shopping experience being akin to dantes circles of hell. I was only talking recently of the feelings i get when traipsing around a shopping mall. It is even more odd out here on asia as asian eyes inevitably cast upon the inevitably slightly taller white skin foreigners.
I also liked your description of the book, especially how you serendipitously stumbled upon it. While there is no translation for that particular book at present, can you perhaps recommend another French author for me and perhaps a particular book you hold dear. I really enjoy hollenbeq (probably spelt wrong) and have read most of his books. I often wondered were there other french writers like him.
I am as they say in my cups. When I go to to shop, because at the moment I am a carer for my mother who is 98, not looking for sympathy or understanding, I just shop. Sometimes, I' m organized and sometimes I'm not.
I love Aisling that you open up our imaginations.
You are though looking back at your shopping experience, aren't you? You are not living it. Because the wealth of detail and knowledge that you expose is an afterthought - you did some research about the French novel that was on offer. And, based on this you are reimaging your shopping experience.
Another person, might have walked by looking for frozen peas. Saw the novels that were on offer and walked on.
I don't have any set ideas about how someone writes an historical novel. But, facts stranger than fiction, I do truly wonder why an historical novelist would need to reinvent anything.
Thanks Mary. I am very tempted to translate Marguerite's book. There is something about her style that attracts me, simple, personal but also lyrical. Her references are wide-ranging and contribute to a very real portrait of Sophie in all her ups and downs. Watch this space!!
Oh yes please translate! Wish my french was good enough to read in that format but alas! There does not seem to be a translation. Both Marguerite and Sophie sound fascinating.
And to think this book found you in a little Carrefour. Meant to be!
Thanks Catriona. Pressure is mounting now to translate Bourcet's book . . . I've never before felt so drawn to translate so maybe I'll have to follow my instinct and your urging to just do it!
Shopping malls!! Aaaghhh! Worse even than supermarkets because they are so much bigger and noisier.
As for other French authors in translation, one that springs to mind is Amelie Nothomb (she's Belgian but writes in French). Several of her books have been translated. Fear and Trembling, about her experience of living in Japan, might strike a chord with you. There is also a famous novel, titled in English The Opposing Shore that might appeal. Happy reading!
Delighted that I'm opening up your imagination, Patrick! It is a noble and kind thing that you are caring for your elderly mother, and not easy. I tend to think I'm organised when I'm shopping but once I get into a supermarket my mind goes blank and I invariably forget something even when it's on my list!
Yes of course to an extent I was reimagining my encounter with Marguerite Bourcet but I did spend rather a long time reading the preface and skimming the book at the entrance to the shop, forgetting that my husband and the dogs were standing outside waiting for me, in the rain!
Facts are stranger than fiction but a straight account of the facts of a life doesn't involve the reader intimately in that life or make her feel she has met the person. That's where the inventive power of the historical novelist comes into play, bringing the reader into the world of the subject and evoking its texture.
What a wonderful conundrum you have exposed via this fascinating novel - and how pleased we must all be that you found it while escaping your domestic duties! . I am sure, like me, that all your readers are captivated by what we have heard so far... so please .. do take on the translation so all can enjoy this gem!
Thank you for that comment Laurence, but even more for organising a great festival with a diverse and interesting array of writers, including the historical novelists I mention in my newsletter. On the evidence of their presentations I have a lot of research to do before starting my book!
Excellent, fascinating glimpse into a puzzling dilemma; how to breathe life into a story! Looking forward to your book!
i really enjoyed this article, especially the reference to the shopping experience being akin to dantes circles of hell. I was only talking recently of the feelings i get when traipsing around a shopping mall. It is even more odd out here on asia as asian eyes inevitably cast upon the inevitably slightly taller white skin foreigners.
I also liked your description of the book, especially how you serendipitously stumbled upon it. While there is no translation for that particular book at present, can you perhaps recommend another French author for me and perhaps a particular book you hold dear. I really enjoy hollenbeq (probably spelt wrong) and have read most of his books. I often wondered were there other french writers like him.
I am as they say in my cups. When I go to to shop, because at the moment I am a carer for my mother who is 98, not looking for sympathy or understanding, I just shop. Sometimes, I' m organized and sometimes I'm not.
I love Aisling that you open up our imaginations.
You are though looking back at your shopping experience, aren't you? You are not living it. Because the wealth of detail and knowledge that you expose is an afterthought - you did some research about the French novel that was on offer. And, based on this you are reimaging your shopping experience.
Another person, might have walked by looking for frozen peas. Saw the novels that were on offer and walked on.
I don't have any set ideas about how someone writes an historical novel. But, facts stranger than fiction, I do truly wonder why an historical novelist would need to reinvent anything.
Thanks Mary. I am very tempted to translate Marguerite's book. There is something about her style that attracts me, simple, personal but also lyrical. Her references are wide-ranging and contribute to a very real portrait of Sophie in all her ups and downs. Watch this space!!
Oh yes please translate! Wish my french was good enough to read in that format but alas! There does not seem to be a translation. Both Marguerite and Sophie sound fascinating.
And to think this book found you in a little Carrefour. Meant to be!