Robert Chandler, an author, poet, and translator renowned for his translations of Vasily Grossman's works, shares his fascinating journey of bringing 'Life and Fate' to English. He discusses the challenges of navigating Soviet censorship and the emotional connections he formed with the characters. Chandler delves into the art of repetition in translation and the complex interplay of humor amidst grim themes. He reflects on Grossman's personal struggles and the resilience of humanity, showcasing the vital role of translators in making Russian literature accessible.
Translating Vasily Grossman's works requires understanding and addressing the historical context of Soviet censorship to restore the author's voice.
The emotional depth of Grossman's narratives, particularly through themes of maternal love, enhances the translator's connection with the characters and stories.
Managing a large cast of characters in 'Life and Fate' necessitates a methodical translation approach to maintain clarity and narrative coherence.
Deep dives
Challenges of Translating Grossman
Translating the complex works of Vasily Grossman, such as 'Stalingrad' and 'Life and Fate', presents unique challenges due to the historical context and censored versions of the texts. The translator discovered that Grossman's works had multiple published versions, varying significantly due to Soviet censorship. This censorship often stripped away moments of humor and humanity, demanding a careful selection of passages to restore the author's intended voice. Understanding the tonal implications of censorship led the translator to decide which elements to reincorporate into the translations, offering a more authentic representation of Grossman's original material.
The Emotional Weight of Translation
Engaging deeply with Grossman's narratives during the translation process can evoke strong emotional reactions, paralleling the intense experience of reading. The translator noted that despite the grim subject matter, Grossman's intention is to share important stories, often revealing wisdom and guidance through his writing. This adds an emotional layer to the translation work, as the translator forms a kinship with Grossman’s characters and experiences their struggles along with them. The act of translating these sentiments amplifies the emotional intensity, allowing the translator to connect on a personal level with the content.
Humor and Irony in Grossman's Work
The distinction between humor and gravity in Grossman's writings varies between 'Stalingrad' and 'Life and Fate', with the former containing more moments of levity. In 'Stalingrad', Grossman captures humorous, human encounters amidst the horrors of war, while 'Life and Fate' leans more towards philosophical depth devoid of humor. The translator recognized the shifting tone, leading to different emotional responses from readers of each work. This variance underscores the complexity of Grossman's literary style and the challenges in conveying humor across languages.
Complexities of Character Tracking
Managing a multitude of characters within Grossman's novels is a significant challenge for translators, particularly in 'Life and Fate'. The sheer number of characters and their various name variations require careful attention and organization to maintain clarity for the reader. The translator employed a methodical approach by translating chapters based on character threads instead of page order, facilitating a cohesive understanding of their narratives. This technique helps convey the interconnectedness of characters and their roles while ensuring that English-speaking audiences can follow the intricate web of relationships presented.
The Theme of Maternal Love
Maternal love is a recurring theme in Grossman's work, appearing in various forms across his narratives, including through profound depictions of sacrifice and connection. In 'Life and Fate', the protagonist's reflections on his mother illustrate the weight of guilt and loss, bridging personal experiences with broader human conditions. Grossman explores these dynamics amid the backdrop of war, using maternal figures to evoke tenderness in the face of horror. This theme not only enriches the emotional depth of the stories but also highlights the resilience of human connections in times of despair.
What does it take to translate a 900-page Russian novel written before the fall of the Soviet Union? For Robert Chandler it meant living in a seaside cottage for four months to immerse himself completely in the characters' lives and to meet his publisher's deadline. Listen as Chandler, the translator of Vasily Grossman's masterpiece Life and Fate and many of his other works, speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about Grossman, the art of translation, and the challenges of bringing a sprawling Russian classic to English-speaking readers.
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