August is Women in Translation Month. Started by Meytal Radzinski in 2014, it honors women writers and translators from around the world. To celebrate, I’m highlighting 2 women who have significantly contributed to Spanish/English literary translation.
I was about 13 when I first began reading books by Latin American and Spanish authors. The English versions of these novels were frequently the work of esteemed translator Edith Grossman. Not only did her translations feed my hunger for language learning and traveling to faraway lands, she showed me that one can build a successful career by using language skills. You can read more about Edith Grossman here: “A Tribute to Edith Grossman” by The Center for Fiction
Another contemporary Spanish-to-English translator is Christina MacSweeney, who specializes in Latin American literature. I enjoyed her translation of On Lighthouses by Mexican author Jazmina Barrera. You can read an interview with Christina MacSweeney here: “Cover Versions: Talking Translation with Christina MacSweeney”
If you’re looking for your next good read, check out the books in translation from Two Lines Press and Transit Books. You won’t be disappointed!
Alison Trujillo Translations 