French Literary Classics and Bold New Voices Hit Indian Shelves in English and Tamil—Thanks to 'Pardon My French

Pardon My French! brings French literature to India with bilingual editions in English and Tamil, featuring classics and contemporary works at select bookstores.

on Sep 12, 2024

The French Institute in India (IFI), part of the French Embassy, has launched an ambitious program named “Pardon My French!” in collaboration with Focus Bookstore. This initiative is set to introduce a wide selection of French literature to Indian readers through bilingual translations in English and Tamil.

The "Pardon My French!" program aims to enrich the Indian literary landscape by establishing dedicated sections in select bookstores across Indian cities. These sections will feature a diverse range of French literary works, from timeless classics by Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Marcel Proust to contemporary authors like Marjane Satrapi and Annie Ernaux, as well as emerging voices such as Victoria Mas, Édouard Louis, and Virginie Despentes.

An exclusive corner dedicated to French literature will be set up permanently at the partnering bookstore on Mission Street. This section will initially include a curated collection of 170 titles, predominantly in English translations (about 150), alongside Tamil translations and French originals. The first batch of books is expected to be available by the end of the month.

The program was officially launched with an event at the Art and Craft Village in Murungapakkam. The launch featured a lively discussion moderated by Ari Gautier and Shamika Andrade, founders of the digital series ‘Thinnai Stories,’ which draws inspiration from traditional verandahs in Puducherry and around the world. Key participants included Shenaz Patel, an award-winning writer from Mauritius; Michael Anthony, owner of Focus Bookstore; and Julia Trouilloud, Attaché for Books and Ideas at the IFI, who oversees editorial cooperation between France and India.

Additionally, the event marked the launch of Thinnai Stories as a live platform in the city, celebrating the space of the thinnai as a metaphor for literary and cultural exploration. This program not only aims to make French literature more accessible but also to foster cultural exchange and understanding through the written word.