Books / translated literature
Polly Barton, Gloucester Road Books and Storysmith announce a new festival of translated literature
In the first event of its kind, a new festival celebrating translators and translated literature will be taking place on May 12-25.
Translated By, Bristol was founded by author and Japanese translator Polly Barton, in collaboration with beloved indie bookshops Storysmith and Gloucester Road Books.
As well as writing two non-fiction books, the award-winning debut Fifty Sounds and Porn: An Oral History, Barton is known for translating a number of Japanese novels, including Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda, Hunchback by Saou Ichikawa, There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura, and Mild Vertigo by Mieko Kanai. Her translation of Asako Yuzuki’s Butter was named Waterstones Book of the Year 2024.
is needed now More than ever
Polly Barton – photo: Garry Loughlin
Busy literary event calendars continue to prove popular with book-loving audiences in Bristol.
In recent years Storysmith has welcomed authors including Colson Whitehead, Deborah Levy, Percival Whitehead and Maggie O’ Farrell to discuss their works, while Gloucester Road Books has featured Zadie Smith, Mick Herron, Jonathan Coe and Elisa Shua Dusapin among its regular live conversations with writers.
Translated by Bristol logo – image: Gloucester Road Books x Storysmith
The complete programme for Translated By, Bristol is yet to be announced, but events are set to include in-depth conversations with translators, conversations between renowned authors and their translators, and discussions of the translation/publishing process.
There will also be a range of translation workshops, translation slams and events aimed at children, in collaboration with local schools.
Gloucester Road Books – illustration: Anna Higgie
An international array of translators, authors and publishers will be participating in the festival, which will be held across multiple venues across the city.
Organisers are enthused about the opportunity afforded by this inaugural event, which is underpinned by a clear mission “to acknowledge the role and contribution of translators across the world”.
Audience assembled at a literary event – photo: Storysmith
Translated By, Bristol will run from May 12-25, with the programme yet to be announced. For all the latest information, visit www.translatedbybristol.com or follow @translatedbybristol.
Main photo: Storysmith Books
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