Filling the Sink In other words - Catalan literature in translation
Apr 22, 2025
Cillian Shields, a reporter at Catalan News, teams up with Peter Bush, a celebrated translator recognized for bridging Catalan literature with English readers. They explore the vibrant Sant Jordi celebration, highlighting its role as Catalonia's literary Valentine’s Day. The duo discusses the intricacies of translating iconic works and the cultural significance behind place names. They also delve into the evolving landscape of Catalan literature, celebrating emerging voices and sharing personal favorites, all while emphasizing the artistry of translation.
25:05
Sant Jordi's Marketing Origins
- Sant Jordi, Catalonia's book and rose celebration, was originally a marketing event to boost book sales.
- It is now a major cultural day generating significant revenue for bookshops and engaging the public in book buying and gifting.
Leading Catalan Authors Translated
- Eva Balthasar and Irena Solá are among the most impactful contemporary Catalan authors translated into English.
- Their works have received prestigious nominations and high praise from notable British authors.
Trends in Catalan-to-English Translations
- Translation of Catalan literature into English fluctuates with recent years seeing around 17 to 36 titles.
- Despite the fluctuations, there is a continuous flow of translations offering Catalan literature to English readers.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Enduring Legacy of the Catalan Book Festival
01:31 • 2min
Translating Catalan Literature: Challenges and Insights
03:06 • 11min
The Significance of Place Names in Literature
13:56 • 1min
The Challenges and Depths of Translating Catalan Stories
15:25 • 2min
Catalan Literature: A Modern Tapestry
17:38 • 7min
Permafrost
Eva Baltasar
Panegra
Panegra
Black Bread
Emili Teixidor
Emili Teixidor's "Panegra" (Black Bread) is a powerful novel that explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and resilience.
The story is set in a rural Catalan village and depicts the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants.
The novel's stark portrayal of poverty and inequality has resonated with readers and critics alike.
Its success has led to a film adaptation, further highlighting its impact.
The novel's characters are complex and memorable, adding depth to the narrative.
"Panegra" is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
When I Sing, Mountains Dance
When I Sing, Mountains Dance
null
Irene Solá
Irene Solá's "When I Sing, Mountains Dance" is a novel that likely explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition.
The title suggests a connection between the act of singing and the vastness of mountains, hinting at a profound emotional depth.
The novel's narrative likely unfolds through the experiences of its characters, revealing their inner lives and struggles.
The author's style might be characterized by lyrical prose and evocative imagery, creating a rich sensory experience for the reader.
The book's exploration of universal themes makes it relatable to a wide audience.
Cala Wenling
Cala Wenling
null
Gemma Ruiz
Gemma Ruiz's "Cala Wenling" is a novel that likely explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the challenges of adapting to a new life.
The title suggests a specific setting, possibly a place name or a reference to a character.
The novel's narrative likely unfolds through the experiences of its characters, revealing their inner lives and struggles.
The author's style might be characterized by a blend of realism and social commentary, creating a nuanced and engaging reading experience.
The book's exploration of complex themes makes it a thought-provoking read.
Football in the Land of the Soviets
Football in the Land of the Soviets
null
Carlos Piñer
Carlos Piñer's "Football in the Land of the Soviets" delves into the complex relationship between sports and politics in a specific historical and geographical context.
The book likely examines how football was used as a tool of propaganda or social control, or how it reflected broader societal changes.
The author's expertise in both sports and politics likely provides a unique perspective on the subject.
The book's analysis might explore the impact of political ideologies on the sport, or vice versa.
The work likely offers a fascinating insight into a little-known aspect of history, combining sports and political analysis.
Argelagas
Argelagas
null
Gemma Ruiz
Gemma Ruiz's "Argelagas" is a novel that likely explores themes of social class, rural life, and the challenges faced by working-class communities.
The title, while evocative, doesn't directly reveal the book's content, leaving room for interpretation.
The novel's narrative likely unfolds through the experiences of its characters, revealing their inner lives and struggles.
The author's style might be characterized by a blend of realism and social commentary, creating a nuanced and engaging reading experience.
The book's exploration of complex themes makes it a thought-provoking read.
La vida madaiga
La vida madaiga
Life in Bitters
Josep Pla
Josep Pla's "La vida madaiga" is a collection of short stories that likely reflects the author's experiences and observations.
The title, meaning "bitter life" or "life in bitterness," hints at the overall tone and themes of the collection.
The stories likely explore various aspects of the human condition, offering a glimpse into the complexities of life.
The author's writing style might be characterized by realism and a keen eye for detail, creating a vivid and engaging reading experience.
The book's exploration of universal themes makes it relatable to a wide audience.
Un film, Tres Mil Metres
Un film, Tres Mil Metres
null
Víctor Català
Víctor Català's "Un film, Tres Mil Metres" is a novel that likely explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition.
The title suggests a connection between film, a visual medium, and a vast distance, hinting at a profound emotional depth.
The novel's narrative likely unfolds through the experiences of its characters, revealing their inner lives and struggles.
The author's style might be characterized by lyrical prose and evocative imagery, creating a rich sensory experience for the reader.
The book's exploration of universal themes makes it relatable to a wide audience.
Ulisses
Ulisses
James Joyce
Published in 1922, 'Ulysses' is a groundbreaking work of modernist literature.
The novel explores the inner and outer lives of its characters through a variety of stylistic innovations, including stream-of-consciousness narration and multiple literary styles.
It parallels Homer's 'The Odyssey' with Leopold Bloom as Ulysses, Stephen Dedalus as Telemachus, and Molly Bloom as Penelope.
The book delves into themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism, all set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Dublin.
Joyce's experimental prose, rich characterization, and broad humor have made 'Ulysses' one of the greatest literary works of the 20th century.
El verano de los juguetes muertos
Toni Hill
Toni Hill's "El Verano de los Juguetes Muertos" is a captivating detective novel set in the vibrant city of Barcelona.
The story follows Inspector Héctor Salgado as he unravels a complex mystery.
The novel is part of a trilogy, promising further adventures for the reader.
The book's setting and characters create a rich and immersive reading experience.
The plot is intricate and suspenseful, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.
The novel's success has led to its translation into English and adaptation into other media.
Vence Meselabagas
Vence Meselabagas
Wilder Winds
Bel Olid
Bel Olid's "Vence Meselabagas" is a collection of short stories that likely explores a range of themes and experiences.
The title, while evocative, doesn't directly reveal the book's content, leaving room for interpretation.
The stories likely showcase the author's unique writing style and perspective, offering a glimpse into the human condition.
The collection might feature diverse characters and settings, creating a varied and engaging reading experience.
The book's success has led to its translation into English, highlighting its appeal to a wider audience.
Mare de Déu del Lliri
Mare de Déu del Lliri
null
Najat el-Hachmi
Najat el-Hachmi's "Mare de Déu del Lliri" (Mother of God of the Lily) is a novel that likely explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and motherhood.
The title suggests a blend of religious imagery and personal experience, hinting at a complex narrative.
The novel's narrative likely unfolds through the perspective of a mother who has immigrated to Catalonia, revealing her struggles and triumphs.
The author's style might be characterized by a blend of realism and emotional depth, creating a powerful and moving reading experience.
The book's exploration of universal themes makes it relatable to a wide audience.
Incerta glòria
Incerta glòria
Uncertain Glory
Joan Sales
Joan Sales' "Incerta glòria" (Uncertain Glory) is a novel that likely explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition.
The title suggests a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, possibly reflecting the characters' emotional states or the historical context of the story.
The novel's narrative likely unfolds through the experiences of its characters, revealing their inner lives and struggles.
The author's style might be characterized by lyrical prose and evocative imagery, creating a rich sensory experience for the reader.
The book's exploration of universal themes makes it relatable to a wide audience.
La Plaza del Diamante
Merce Rodoreda
La novela sigue a Natalia, apodada 'Colometa', mientras enfrenta desafíos en su vida y relaciones con dos hombres: Quimet, su primer esposo, y Antoni, su segundo.
La obra es un crónico de la vida en Barcelona durante ese período, combinando psicologismo y naturalismo.
Ha sido traducida a más de treinta idiomas y es considerada una pieza fundamental de la literatura catalana.
Sant Jordi is a Catalan cultural celebration held on April 23. It’s Catalonia's Valentine’s Day and it served as the inspiration for World Book Day. Couples, friends, and families give each other gifts of roses and books, commemorating the legendary slaying of the dragon by Sant Jordi - Saint George, in English. In this week’s podcast, we delve into Catalan literature and analyze its translation into English.
Host Beth Cohen sits down with reporter Cillian Shields to discuss the origins of the Sant Jordi celebration and its evolution over time. Cillian meets Peter Bush and Laura McGloughlin, two of the most notable contemporary Catalan-to-English translators, who reflect on what it means to translate a novel and explain their approach to the task. Both review some of their most iconic translations, including the works of Josep Pla, Emili Teixidor, Toni Hill, and Bel Olid, while discussing current trends and emerging voices in Catalan literature. Cillian and Beth wrap up by sharing some of their favorite reads by Catalan authors and exchanging book recommendations for this year’s Sant Jordi.
This week, our Catalan phrase is “Un llibre és com un jardí que es porta a la butxaca,” a proverb of Arabic origin that translates as “A book is like a garden carried in your pocket.” Just like a garden, books are full of life and beautiful details - but small enough to keep with you wherever you go.