August marks Women in Translation Month, an annual celebration dedicated to amplifying the voices of female authors from around the globe who have been translated into English. This month-long event underscores the importance of diversity in literature and highlights the often-overlooked works of women from various cultures and backgrounds. In an increasingly interconnected world, literature provides a window into diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Yet, despite the wealth of talent across the globe, women's voices in translated literature have historically been underrepresented. Women in Translation Month serves as a reminder of the need to broaden our reading horizons and embrace stories from female authors who bring unique and compelling narratives to the fore.
To help you dive into this celebration, we’ve curated a list of remarkable books by women that have been translated into English this year.
Do Not Ask the River Her Name by Sheela Tomy; Translated by Ministhy S.
After an accident leaves her husband bedridden, Ruth is forced to leave her home in search of employment to support her family. Her journey takes her from the lush highlands of Wayanad to the arid deserts of Riyadh and Dubai. Following numerous trials and tribulations, she finally settles in Nazareth, Israel, where she finds work as a caregiver. In Nazareth, Ruth encounters the storied Holy Land up close, exploring its rich cultural heritage, the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, and the conditions faced by the Palestinian people. This experience also prompts her to grapple with her own feelings of displacement. In her mesmerizing new novel, Sheela Tomy masterfully weaves together the struggles of various communities under siege and Ministhy S.'s translation from Malayam enriches the prose.
Not a River by Selva Almada; Translated by Annie McDermott
Three men set out for a fishing trip, revisiting a cherished river spot despite the haunting memory of a terrible accident that occurred there years ago. As the long, sultry day progresses, they immerse themselves in drinking, cooking, talking, and dancing, striving to overcome the shadows of their past. However, their presence disrupts the delicate harmony of this secluded environment, putting them at odds with both the human and non-human elements of this peculiar, watery world. With the forest closing in and a sense of inevitable violence looming, the men face the question of whether they can prevent another tragedy. In her latest novel, Selva Almada with translation from Spanish by Annie McDermott captures the essence of rural Argentina with her distinctive style and vision, creating a narrative that ripples across time much like the river central to the story.
Our City That Year by Geetanjali Shree; Translated by Daisy Rockwell
Originally published in Hindi in 1998, Our City That Year by Geetanjali Shree is a novel that eludes simple classification, serving as a time capsule, a dire warning, and a heartfelt plea. Daisy Rockwell's nuanced translation captures Shree’s evocative prose, leading readers through a fragmented and dreamlike narrative that mirrors the fractured reality of a city in crisis. The novel leaves a lingering, unsettling impression, compelling readers to confront questions that extend far beyond India's borders. In this chaotic environment, Shruti, a writer overwhelmed by the unfolding events, struggles to articulate her thoughts. Meanwhile, academics Sharad and Hanif are marginalized by extremism, their voices lost amidst clichés and government rhetoric. In the midst of increasing darkness, Daddu, Sharad’s father, emerges as a symbol of hope. As each character grapples with the challenge of voicing the inexpressible, an unnamed narrator assumes the crucial role of documenting their experiences.
The Continents Between by Bani Basu; Translated by Debali Mookerjee
As Sudeep and Kamalika look back at the home they left behind, their lives as immigrants are tinged with a constant sense of nostalgia. Set in 1960s America, their story reveals the numerous challenges and insecurities they face while raising their American-born children within the confines of a traditional Bengali household. The Continents Between is a masterful translation of Bani Basu’s epic novel, Janmabhoomi, Matribhoomi. Debali Mookerjee’s translation adeptly navigates complex themes of identity, immigration, betrayal, love, and politics with empathy and finesse, leaving readers eager for more.
Your Utopia by Bora Chung; Translated by Anton Hur
From the internationally acclaimed author of Cursed Bunny, Your Utopia offers another gripping collection translated from Korean by Anton Hur. This book explores themes of loss and discovery, idealism and dystopia, death and immortality. Chung’s unique blend of wry humor and unexpectedly tender moments pervades these stories, often featuring surprising and unconventional subjects. In “The Center for Immortality Research,” a junior employee exhausts herself organizing an extravagant gala for donors, only to be falsely accused of a crime she witnessed during the event. The crime unfolds under the watchful eyes of enigmatic celebrity benefactors seeking eternal life, but firing her is not an option. In “One More Kiss, Dear,” a tender, one-sided love story unfolds in the elevator of an apartment complex, where the elevator itself develops a deep affection for one of the residents.
Words Platform Desk
Date 05.08.2024