Following HarperCollins as the largest English-language publisher, Agatha Christie’s works are set to be translated for the French market. This development was reported by Le Devoir in its edition notes.
Masque, a unit of the Hachette publishing group that handles Christie’s titles, announced that certain offensive descriptions about characters’ appearances and backgrounds will be removed. The publisher explained that the edits are intended to bring the books into alignment with Christie titles published elsewhere around the world.
In the past, HarperCollins took steps to remove passages that referenced nationality in Christie’s novel Death on the Nile, including phrases describing a Nubian boatman and a woman characterized by a gypsy appearance. Some scenes were deleted because they directly touched on themes of race and ethnicity. Additionally, a moment where a woman disparaged children and questioned her own affection for them was also excised from the text.
These editorial choices reflect a broader trend in publishing where translations and local editions are adapted to reflect contemporary sensitivities while trying to preserve the essence of the original narratives. Critics argue that such changes can affect historical context and the author’s voice, while supporters contend that they help readers engage with classics without encountering outdated stereotypes. The ongoing conversation highlights how publishers balance respect for literary heritage with modern standards of inclusivity. The Christie corpus remains widely read, and publishers continue to explore which elements of older editions should be kept, revised, or omitted to ensure accessibility for today’s audiences across Canada, the United States, and other regions.