I thought this book was very good, I saw a review of it by Better Than Food on yt a while ago and was intrigued. I was not a fan of one portion of the preface; I disagree with the author. I understand from the perspective of my own writing and interest in literature the importance of diction, but it seems inconceivable to me to cast aside so many great authors simply because their works have been translated from another language.
I suppose if you’re able to become a polyglot or bilingual, then it would be better to read the works in their original language, but considering most are not Jorge Luis Borges, I think reading translations is perfectly fine. Furthermore, considering there are individuals like Pevear and Volokhonsky who produce seemingly magnificent translations, to me it seems more prudent to focus on reading a wider array of works rather than learning languages simply to read in the native tongue of the author.
Anna Karenina, Crime and Punishment, Amerika were amazing reads — to me, which I would have neglected if I only read books written in English — so, why would I give up whole swaths of literature simply because the diction may not be 100% accurate. If anything I think the field of translation is beautiful in its own regard considering the lengths translators strive in order to bring literature of other languages to the world. His thoughts on translation seem conceited to me.
Still despite my opinion on his critique of translations, I thought the book was very good. It reminded me of sitting in coffee shops and reading while occasionally catching glimpses into the lives of others. I think the book is charmingly reflective of the struggles of everyday life and reads as if you were walking through the streets and cafés in Spain alongside the characters.
— I think the preface irked me so much, because this is the first thing people read when getting into the book, and to see the author’s disdain for translation makes the reader question whether to continue to read the book or perhaps just put it down in favor of another in their own native tongue. Forgive the tirade on the preface of the book, notwithstanding my issue with the author’s opinion I think the book is good and would encourage others to read it.
by KaptinNiceGuy