Tuesday 24 February 2009

Double Dutch


I've just discovered that the Dutch for 'the Birds and Bees' is 'de Bloemetjes de Bijtjes'. Isn't that great? They've also given it a cover which looks like flowery wallpaper. With hats. For some odd reason, I find this immensely cheering (probably because it takes my mind off my Failure). I'm now waiting to see what the French will do with it. What do other people's books sound/look like in other languages/countries?

5 comments:

mattfwcurran.com Web Admin said...

Congratulations, Frances (and stop thinking about it as a failure!!)

The German edition of The Secret War was called "Wachter Der Schatten" (The Guardian of the Shadows) and had a cover that looked like Alexander Kent meets Clive Barker. Best of all, my name took up almost half the cover. I think Random House was trying to sell my name as a brand rather than the book itself which was pretty encouraging - hopefully that will continue with their adaptation of book 2... (though I wonder if they'll keep "Mhorrer" in the title).

Anonymous said...

Hearty congratulations, Frances! I know now what it means to have other language editions of your book. I missed the bus with Across...but then there is always another...

Frances Garrood said...

Thank you both for the congratulations, although what had really entertained me was how ridiculous the title looked (sounded?) in Dutch. Also, does 'birds and bees' have the same connotations in other languages as it does in English? and if not, what on earth will the Dutch make of it? I can see Dutch naturalists buying it to take on field trips, only to be disappointed... But good for you, Matt, having your name so prominent on your German edition.

Eliza Graham said...

That's great, Frances! The Dutch titles are always the best, aren't they? It's an amazing language.

Len Tyler said...

Not sure yet what I am to be called in German. The American edition will be called the Herring-Seller's Apprentice (note the subtle change ...)