This post was intended to be a private note, but I have thought it might be of interest as well for some (if any) readers of this blog. Penguin, Simenon’s British paperback publishers since 1952, have begun the admirable project of issuing, at the rate of one per month, new translations of all the Maigret novels, to be followed by some of the ‘romans durs’. To my knowledge Penguin has published so far:
The Mahé Circle, Georges Simenon (Author), Sian Reynolds (Translator) Penguin Classics, 5 Jun. 2014. Original title: Le cercle des Mahé, 1946
Mr Hire’s Engagement, Georges Simenon (Author), Anna Moschovakis (Translator) Penguin Classics, 6 Nov. 2014. Original title: Les fiançailles de Monsieur Hire, 1933
The Blue Room, Georges Simenon (Author), Linda Coverdale (Translator) Penguin Classics, 1 Jan. 2015. Original title: La chambre bleue, 1964
Source: Penguin Modern Classics
A Crime is Afoot 
Never read those. I read Fred Vargas untranslated, but I must admit that I find Simenon more problematic to translate – I have never understood why. Looking forward to the more noirish side to him.
My understanding is that these are new translations and that La chambre bleue has not been translated before as far as I know.
Publishing all 75 of the Maigret novels (what about the 28 short stories?) is an ambitious project by itself. I had not known about Penguin’s intention to publish some/the ‘romans durs.’
Thanks
I have no news yet about the 28 short Maigret stories so far. Let’s hope they’ll come next.
Curiously, I just finished La Chambre bleue and thought it was excellent. I then watched the movie and was disappointed by the number of inaccuracies, but it didn’t suffer from major plot changes the way so many movies based on books do.
Planning to read The Blue Room soon, my French is rather poor, am afraid.
Well, you’ve listed an English translation and judging from your postings your English is very good.
Great news about THE BLUE ROOM especially – it was recently filmed so a perfect chance to get re-acquanited – thanks Jose Ignacio!
Much welcome, Sergio!