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.