He made several important alterations from the more British-toned translation (and previously only English edition) by Stuart Gilbert. Most notably he altered the quite well known opening line "Mother died today" to "Maman died today". Ward defended the alteration by noting that the more juvenile "Maman" reflects the "curious feeling he (Meursault) has for her".
The author made significant alterations from the British-style translation (and previously only English edition) by Stuart Gilbert, particularly changing the well-known opening line "Mother died today" to "Maman died today". Ward defended this change by explaining that using "Maman" reflects Meursault's unique feelings towards his mother.