Buying french books in america

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Virginie, or “Madame Moustache,” may be the French brains behind US-based Moustache Books, an excellent source of buying affordable French literature in The United States. When i first pointed out her book shop about this listing of sellers. Now, Virginie is here now to talk about a bit more about her shop and procuring non-British books for purchase in america.

So, inform us a little with regards to you, Virginie!

I originate from Toulouse, within the southwest of France. I studied literature and theater there, i then ongoing my theater education in Paris. Alongside my studies, I labored for quite some time in bookshops and editing, which I’ve always loved. After getting spent a while in Central Europe teaching French literature and language, I made the decision to go back to bookselling. This decision matches my arrival within the U . s . States many years ago, in Bay Area to become exact. However I only selected support with book selling after i showed up in New You are able to 4 years ago.

What made you need to operate a bookshop? Why “Moustache” Books?

The entire year I found New You are able to, the Librairie de France in Rockefeller Center had just closed its doorways. It was the only real source for French-language books in New You are able to. With my need to eventually open a bookshop in your mind, I stated to myself it had become a great time for this (or simply a bad one? in the end, may possibly not be smart to open a book shop when the rest of the ones are closing…).

Initially I needed to spread out a genuine book shop, with home windows, book shelves, walls… a real store, you realize? However the exhorbitant prices in New york city rapidly frustrated me. I discovered act as manager of French stock inside a book shop within the Upper West Side and that i discovered the American marketplace for 2 yrs. I Then grew to become pregnant, and We used my pregnancy to setup Moustache Books: the concept ended up being to begin by selling on the internet only, and also to see where that will take me…

Why Moustache? Because it’s so France! (well, especially our policemen). And also, since it’s a reputation that individuals remember easily, and delay pills work equally well in British as with French.

Who’s your typical customer? Do many Americans buy foreign-language books?

Nearly all my customers are Americans who read in French. Their language levels differ. You will find a number of French, too, who call us, but many French individuals have their “things,” their network for locating books, like getting them sent from France by their buddies or family, or filling a suitcase once they visit.

Why is Moustache Books jobs are schools with bilingual programs, French departments at universities, and book clubs. We use French institutions within the U . s . States, such as the consulate, some Alliance Française chapters, and Lycées Français.

Lastly, there exists a special-order service by which we provide to buy books which are difficult to get.

How can you find out about new books that the customers may like? How can you determine what to stock?

My selections come in part like a purpose of things i like, i attempt to offer authors who aren’t super-well-known within the U . s . States. American readers always hear comparable French authors, who’ve influential press here—these authors have course available here, however i attempt to vary it just a little and also to draw people towards other texts. It doesn’t always work, but you should me that my selection remember me in some way like a readers. I do not would like to cost selling’s sake, I wish to attempt to do some real act as a book shop being an consultant. This isn’t very apparent when one does not have a “real” store, but we’ll make it happen!

What exactly are your preferred facets of running your store? Important useful?

Counseling readers, discussing books with my clients, even when it’s usually by email, it’s things i like. As well as for me, getting to understand gifted authors, books that change people, it’s a genuine privilege. I’d just enjoy having more time for Moustache Books: I take proper care of my two-year-old boy almost full-time (and that i wouldn’t need it one other way), so sometimes I’m a little preoccupied by things apart from Flaubert and Houellebecq. Until then I’m in a position to manage the 2.

Another factor I love a great deal is taking part in festivals and conferences with French authors in New You are able to. That’s time after i become familiar with readers and additional discuss things.

What’s your preferred French book? Who’s your preferred author associated with a nationality? Why?

Hmmm.. that’s difficult to answer. All I’m able to have to say is that recently, it which has left the finest impression is really a novel by Pascal Quignard, ‘Les solidarités mystérieuses’ printed by Gallimard this year. Both poetic and understated, it’s a magazine that utilizes little to state a great deal about relationships between people, which expresses within an incredibly balanced way the avoid it’s possible to feel, but the abundance, all in suggestions… Everything grown amongst a mind-bogglingly honest Breton setting. I’m not an enormous fan of Quignard generally, however this one really required my breath away.

Now, the writer that altered my existence isn’t French, it’s Henry Miller together with his Sexus, Nexus, Plexus trilogy. I had been 18 years of age after i see clearly and my whole world opened up up all at one time.

In addition, there’s Louis Calaferte, with ‘Septentrion.’ An autobiographical book of uncommon magnificence.

What are the up-and-coming authors we ought to consider when searching for particular?

Cécile Guilbert, François Beaune, Stéphane Legrand…

What else do you want to say about entrepreneurship, selling books, or existence generally?

I possibly could ‘t be more happy. While awaiting Moustache Books to build up a little more as well as for my boy to develop up, in individuals tough moments after i seem like there is nothing working, I merely consider Henry Miller and also the formidable appetite for existence he can inspire, and everything appears much simpler.

How much of an inspiring thought, Virginie! Thanks a lot for discussing your desire for literature and the process of books. I see a lot of similarities involving the operate in words and my very own. Best of luck growing!

Readers, make sure to take a look at Virginie’s virtual store, Moustache Books. She does indeed possess a great, unusual mixture of authors and formats. You may also take a look at her blog, French Book Notes. Who’ve you read recently?

Resourse: https://untangledtranslations.wordpress.com/tag/how-to-buy-french-books-in-the-us/

5 French books I love and recommend


Video COMMENTS:

CherrieCupcakex: How about any recommendations for French tv shows/movies? 😊

La Minute Ecrivain: You have movies adaptations for "Ensemble c'est tout' and "L'élégance du hérisson" I recommend "La delicatesse" too\nTV shows: Dix pour cents, Un village français, Candice Renoir, Les petits meurtres d'Agatha Christie!

J'aime la FRANCE: La Grande Vadrouille + Les Choristes + Miraculous ladybug

hexponi: I read Le petit Prince. I thought it'd be easier to start with a children's book.

thierryf67: this one is not only for children… it can also be read in a more philosophical, adult, way.\nand it's so great !

Lucas Augsten: hexponi moi aussi!

Catherine Nguyen: To work on comprehension I've been reading l'etranger by Albert Camus 🙂 pretty interesting 

Tulipe9281: +Catherine Nguyen Hello Catherine, would you have an e-book or pdf version of this that you can email me? I have been trying to search for this book, but i have not found it yet. please do let me know. merci beacoup.

Catherine Nguyen: +Tulipe9281 yea I have a link: http://www.ursulineacademy.org/uploaded/PDF_files/Summer_Readings/2011/World_Languages/French/LEtrangr-Albert-Camus[.pdf

driellycerezer: I am learning a lot with you, merci beaucoup 🙂 \n\nCan you make a video of your top 5 french tv program or french movies? \n\nBisou