Even though I’m not French I get it. The sound of an ‘o’ in a French word is nothing like the sound of an ‘a.’ So you say it’s Combray and I say but maybe it could be Cambrai. And then you ask me if I’m nuts. And I say well I’m not French, but… I’ve been reading Proust for a very long time. Then we go out for a drink. That’s what I’d like to happen, okay? So meet me at the corner of Combray and Cambrai.
And while we’re ordering our drinks, consider this. Cambrai was formerly known as Cambray way back when. So at least the y was there. From Cambray to Combray – just one little vowel. Just one!
So, in a nutshell, that’s why I say Cambrai.
For now, you can continue to say Combray. I understand. But if you have the urge, check out the Martinville connection to Cambrai-and a pair of Moors by the name of Martin and Martine who live in the town. And maybe at some point you’ll also consider that there might be a Cambray connection, as I did that day I stumbled onto this path of questions.
Okay, that’s enough for now, friends. Prooosty signing off.