Best Translated Fiction Awards
The commonly touted figure is that less than 3 percent of foreign language books are translated into English. I’m not sure where that figure comes from. It’s become something of a legend. But the rate is definitely small. Some people believe this is market driven — that Americans are happy consuming quality books by their own authors — and others feel that it is because of American provincialism — that we just don’t care about other countries.
Anyway, a short list of Best Translated Books was recently announced. It is no surprise that Archipelago Books has two in the running. Archipelago produces beautiful volumes by living and deceased authors. Many of these works — including Wonder by the Dutch author Hugo Claus — touch upon social justice themes and I have reviewed them on this site. The prize will be announced on March 10.
CHECK OUT THE SHORTLIST HERE.
–Deji Olukotun
