The PUPPET, the fourth book of the Spy Series is now uploaded and active on Smashwords, and I’m formatting Book Three, BACKLASH for Amazon.
Originally, the title was “Le Marionette”, which is puppet in French. Since it takes place in Paris, my reasoning was that it was logical to give it the French name, just as it was reasonable to include French words in an English dialogue spoken by those whose first language is not English. It lent a more authentic feel/sound to what I wanted.
In saying this to a friend who is now reading the book, his comment began a discussion into which his wife and my husband also kicked in their two (or three) cents. My friend felt that the odd French phrase that is in the dialogue for those whose first language is French was okay, BUT he found my English translation of those phrases to be a stumbling block. Of note, he does understand French.
On the other side of the fence, his wife and my husband do not speak and understand French, and they felt not knowing what the words meant was frustrating and they liked having the translation.
So, this is a rock and a hard place sort of situation. Damned if I do and damned if I don’t. Perhaps a lesson learned. No more dialogue in Paris??? My friend felt it was unnecessary to put in French phrases at all. It was my opinion that it lends a more authentic feel, given that’s how people actually speak. It’s an interesting debate, and I suppose it depends on many things which side you take. My thought is to make it as enjoyable for the reader as possible.
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