Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

28/11/2007, 22:09 Clair Joined on 23/08/2004 ------- Forum Moderator ------- Lot Posts 6,276 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? Henri Troyat is not French but wrote in French, so I don't think his place of birth would make his chosen language easier to read... or am I missing something? Clair, a Real Virtual French Person La vérité est si obscurcie en ce temps et le mensonge si établi, qu'à moins d'aimer la vérité, on ne saurait la reconnaître. (Blaise Pascal)    Report

29/11/2007, 9:55 crépuscule Joined on 19/01/2006 Scotland Posts 49 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? My friend's hypothesis is that, because Henri Troyat is not a native French speaker, his written French is easier to understand than that of a native French speaker, presumably because he may not have as full a command of the complexities of the language, idioms etc as a native and so, as a result, he writes in a simpler style.  Obviously, this is only one person's opinion but it sounds plausible to me.     Report

29/11/2007, 10:14 Cat Joined on 21/01/2005 ------- Forum Moderator ------- Lot Posts 2,801 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? I'm reading Plus Tard Tu Comprendras by Jerome Clement at the moment.  I already know the outline of the story, as it revolves around the Jewish families that were taken in during the war and hidden by people in the village in which I live.  Some of these were later betrayed, and killed. It's a good read, and the author is also the chairman of Arte TV.  He came here a few months ago to present the legion of honour medal to one of the people that took in and sheltered a Jewish family.  A lot of people around here are very secretive or reticent about what went on during the war, and it's fascinating to get an insight.     Cathy Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...    Report

29/11/2007, 16:28 Clair Joined on 23/08/2004 ------- Forum Moderator ------- Lot Posts 6,276 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read?  crépuscule wrote: My friend's hypothesis is that, because Henri Troyat is not a native French speaker, his written French is easier to understand than that of a native French speaker, presumably because he may not have as full a command of the complexities of the language, idioms etc and so, as a result, he writes in a simpler style.  Obviously, this is only one person's opinion but it sounds plausible to me.  I can see the logic of the thought. Bear in mind that Troyat emigrated to France as a child, so he is not a native speaker, but the fact that he was a member of the Académie française, which oversees everything concerning the use of the French language makes me think that he may well have had as "full a command of the complexities of the language, idioms etc as a native "... Clair, a Real Virtual French Person La vérité est si obscurcie en ce temps et le mensonge si établi, qu'à moins d'aimer la vérité, on ne saurait la reconnaître. (Blaise Pascal)    Report

29/11/2007, 19:10 crépuscule Joined on 19/01/2006 Scotland Posts 49 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? Good point! Whatever the reason, my friend recommends him as a good read!    Report

29/11/2007, 19:13 Scooby Joined on 25/09/2007 Peak District Posts 244 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read?  Cat wrote: I'm reading Plus Tard Tu Comprendras by Jerome Clement at the moment.  I already know the outline of the story, as it revolves around the Jewish families that were taken in during the war and hidden by people in the village in which I live.  Some of these were later betrayed, and killed. It's a good read, and the author is also the chairman of Arte TV.  He came here a few months ago to present the legion of honour medal to one of the people that took in and sheltered a Jewish family.  A lot of people around here are very secretive or reticent about what went on during the war, and it's fascinating to get an insight Sounds like a good read Cat - will have a look for that one..    Report

30/11/2007, 10:02 raindog Joined on 26/09/2007 HERAULT Posts 764 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? Anyone read any Michel Houellebecq? I seem to remember his first book was translated into English and had good reviews. Never read it, but my son has just lent me Extension Du Domaine De La Lutte. Only just started it, but it's already funny and cynical - right up my street! Would love to hear other's views. sociability is just a big smile and a big smile is nothing but teeth    Report

30/11/2007, 13:01 5-element Joined on 28/10/2006 Languedoc Posts 701 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? Although I am not certain of the suitability of the language - if you feel up to it, you must read Daniel Pennac - especially my favorite, "La Fee Carabine". Daniel Pennac bases the "Famille Malaussene" colourful characters in the Belleville area of Paris.  Before "La Fee Carabine", he wrote "Au bonheur des ogres", also happening in Belleville. Same kind of humour and colour as in the animated film "Les Triplettes de Belleville".    Report

30/11/2007, 13:51 crépuscule Joined on 19/01/2006 Scotland Posts 49 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? Although I enjoyed them, I found it hard work reading Daniel Pennac's books in English, never mind French!    Report

30/11/2007, 15:16 5-element Joined on 28/10/2006 Languedoc Posts 701 Re: Any recommendations for French authors to read? Sorry, I read them a while ago, and don't have any copies, so couldn't get back to them to check on the language. Apologies to those who don't feel up to those Daniel Pennac books - but to those of you whose French is fairly advanced, have a go - you won't regret it. Although, I have a feeling that they have a lot of slang. No wonder then, that they are heavy-going in English, as they probably don't translate very well!!!    Report

Page 3 of 4 (40 items) < 1 2 3 4 >

France Forum » Leisure and Pas... » Books and Liter... » Any recommendations for French authors to read?

(Quick links) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password About This Forum (READ ONLY) |- About This Forum Moving |- Finding/Owning French Property |- Making the Move From Outside the EU |- Long-Term Letting |- Employment Vacancies in France Legal and Finance |- French Legal Issues |- French Finance Building and Renovation |- House Renovations |-- Working with Wood Living |- Earning a Living |- Driving |- French Education |- Pets |- Animal Welfare, Rescue & Protection |- French Satellite TV, French Internet and Telephone |- Health |-- Changes to Healthcare Entitlement, CPAM, CMU and Cartes Vitales |- Swimming Pools in France Owning/Running a Business |- French Artisans |- Gite Owners |- Hotel and Restaurant Owners |- B&B/Chambres d'Hôtes Owners Leisure and Pastimes |- Gardening |- Sport, Leisure and Pastimes |- Shopping |- French Antiques, Arts & Crafts |- Photography |- Motorcycling in France |- Books and Literature |- Getting Married in France |- Pregnancy and Birth French Culture |- French Food and Wine |- French Culture |- French Language |-- French Language FAQs and Useful Links |- Wildlife/Nature/Environment |- French History Travelling to/from France |- Travelling to/from France |- Latest Good Value Deals to/from France Holidays |- Holidays General Discussion |- The Complete France Post Bag |- The Lighter Side |- Other Topics |- Forum Technical Support |- Useful Links About France/French Living Regions |- HOTEL SEARCH |- Central |- North East |- North West |- Paris Ile de France |- South East |- South West |- East |- West |- Corsica and DOM-TOMs