French Dragonkeeper
News | Posted by Carole on Saturday 9 June 2007
I got a bit of a shock when I received a copy of the French version of Dragonkeeper in the post yesterday. It took me a moment to realise what it was. That’s because the title is Liu et le Vieux Dragon or Liu and the Old Dragon.
At first I thought it was someone else’s dragon story. Then I saw my name on it and realised it was mine! They’ve changed Ping’s name to Liu. I don’t know why, perhaps ping means something unpleasant in French. Even more confusing since the emperor’s name is Liu. They’ve change his name to Meng Li. I don’t know how I feel about that. The emperor was a real person, Liu Che was his actual name. I wonder what else has been changed?
Dear Carole, thanks for answering! It’s always great to be able to exchange ideas with a writer. Actually, the translator, Maïca Sanconie didn’t change the names, she really wanted to keep them and she had to “fight” with the editors but they really wanted to change them. I don’t really know why. Maybe because they thought Ping didn’t sound Chinese enough and that Liu was more of a “cliché” chinese name. And maybe also because Liu could sound both female and male at the same time, and would attract more readers?I think it’s a shame. Especially if the emperor was a real person, he should have kept his name and they should have just given Liu another name or kept it. The translator didn’t’ like the french cover either (although the editors are very proud of it). It seems like it is quite difficult for a translator to get what they want when they don’t agree with the editor.
Our presentation went well (we had 15/20) and now we are doing a written piece. I haven’t read the book yet, but I absolutely want to now! Studying the first page of the first chapter really made me want to read more!
I also love writing but as I haven’t found the time to work seriously on writing (from fantasy to horror, and I’m interesting in writing for children as well) so for now I’m looking for translation work. It’s pretty hard to find publishers!
Johanna,
That’s interesting. Thanks for letting me know.
Glad that you find it interesting. We might have some questions to ask you while we are preparing for our written piece. I just bought dragonkeeper so I’ll be happy to read it soon.
I have read Dragonkeeper and I enjoyed it, I thought it was great. Look forward to reading the second volume.
Johanna,
Glad you liked it.