Mathilde Roger

Hey there! I'm Mathilde Roger, and I specialize in bringing dark, gritty romance to French readers through translation. (Yes, that means I get to read amazing books AND make them accessible to a whole new audience – dream job much?)

I fell into literary translation almost by accident. Growing up in France, I devoured every romance novel I could get my hands on, switching between French and English editions. I noticed how certain nuances and emotional depths would sometimes get lost in translation, especially in darker romance. That lit a fire in me. I wanted to bridge that gap, to make sure French readers could experience these intense stories exactly as they were meant to be felt.

When I got the opportunity to translate Tillie Cole's Hades Hangmen series, I knew I'd found my calling. These aren't your typical romance novels – they're raw, they're brutal, and they deal with themes that make some people uncomfortable. But that's exactly why they matter. La Loi du silence (Souls Unfractured) was particularly challenging to translate because it tackles trauma, healing, and redemption in such a visceral way. Getting those emotions right in French while maintaining the author's voice kept me up many nights, but the response from readers made it all worth it.

I'm incredibly particular about maintaining the authenticity of the original work. Every curse word, every tender moment, every dark twist – they all need to hit just as hard in French as they do in English. (My notes often look like a bizarre mix of French slang options and English profanity. You should see my desktop folders – they're... interesting.)

When I'm not buried in translating dark romance, you'll find me exploring old bookshops in Paris (because of course), drinking way too much coffee (it's basically translator fuel), and taking notes on French idioms that might come in handy for future projects. I've got a cat named Victor (after Hugo, naturally) who likes to sit on my keyboard and randomly add letters to my translations. I've had to explain to authors that no, those extra characters weren't some artistic choice – just my cat's literary contributions.

What can you expect from my translations? Absolute dedication to preserving the emotional impact of the original work. I don't shy away from the difficult scenes or tone down the intensity. If the English version made you gasp, cry, or throw your book across the room, the French version should do exactly the same thing. I want French readers to feel every single emotion, just as powerfully as English readers do.

The romance community in France is growing and evolving, and I'm thrilled to be part of bringing more diverse, challenging stories to our readers. Dark romance isn't just about shock value – it's about exploring the complexities of human nature, healing, and love in all its forms. Even (especially) the complicated ones.

I'm always on the lookout for new dark romance titles to bring to French readers. If you're a French reader discovering these stories for the first time, or an English reader curious about how your favorite books translate, come say hi on social media! I love chatting about books, translation challenges, and why dark romance matters. (Just don't ask me to pick a favorite between French and English editions – that's like choosing between pain au chocolat and croissants. Impossible.)

Remember: great stories transcend language barriers. Sometimes they just need a little help getting there. That's where I come in.

À bientôt! Mathilde