The Critic and Her Publics

Maureen Freely, a seasoned translator from Turkish, dives into the intricate world of literary translation. She discusses the complexities of interpreting '1,001 Nights,' particularly the balance between fidelity to the original text and creative liberties. The conversation explores the emotional depths of storytelling, agency in translation, and the impact of cultural context. Freely emphasizes how translators face challenges in depicting authenticity while reshaping narratives, shedding light on the evolving interpretations of classical texts through a modern lens.

Daisy Rockwell, a celebrated translator of Hindi and Urdu literature, and Maureen Freely, an expert in translation teaching, tackle the complexities of translating literature from colonized nations into English. They explore the cultural nuances and ethical dilemmas inherent in this process, including the challenges of maintaining fidelity to original texts. The conversation also touches on innovative teaching methods that embrace multilingualism and the importance of sensitivity in language, making a compelling case for diverse and inclusive translations in today's literary landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Maureen Freely, a translator of Turkish literature and an American raised in Istanbul, shares her complicated feelings about Orhan Pamuk's work. Daisy Rockwell, known for her translations of Hindi and Urdu, and Tiffany Tsao, who represents Indonesian voices, delve into the emotional weight of translating literature. They discuss the interplay of shame, identity, and cultural nuances, while unraveling the complex joys and pains of their craft. The translators explore the challenge of making themselves visible in a world that often demands their invisibility.

In this second episode of Hawthornden’s Como Conversazione, we explore beginnings. Anyone who has been around kids knows that a good Lego build starts with a good base. In a translation, this is the first sentence of a text. First sentences are so often the most famous lines.  They are a place for a translator to make their mark. They dictate the voice in which the book unfolds. But has the importance of the first sentence been overly inflated?

Daisy Rockwell, a translator specializing in Hindi and Urdu, and Maureen Freely, an expert in Turkish translation, dive into the art of translating Proust's intricate sentences. They discuss how translation choices impact emotional resonance and narrative depth. The conversation highlights the challenges of capturing sensory experiences and cultural nuances, exploring everything from the emotional weight of verbs to the culinary significance of madelines. Their insights reveal the artistry behind making foreign emotions relatable.

Leo Carey, a Senior Editor at The New Yorker for 25 years, shares insights on the intricate writer-editor dynamic. He humorously navigates professional relationships and dream interpretations, reflecting on collaboration and creative ownership. Carey discusses the art of brevity in writing, emphasizing clarity over length. He dives into celebrity culture's impact on storytelling, sparked by a dream involving J.Lo's iconic dress. The conversation is rich with personal experiences, highlighting the emotional sensitivities in editorial work.

Yahdon Israel, a senior editor at Simon & Schuster and founder of Literaryswag, blends literature with fashion to make books more accessible. He emphasizes prioritizing readers over writers in literary discussions, encouraging inclusivity in book clubs. He draws parallels between literary events and sports, advocating for joyful connections. He also explores how deep engagement with flawed characters can lead to transformative insights. Additionally, he tackles the complex relationship between fashion and literature and the need to amplify marginalized voices in publishing.

Ben Calhoun, the executive producer of The Daily, brings a wealth of experience from This American Life and Serial. He discusses the art of storytelling in daily podcasting, emphasizing the balance between engaging narratives and journalistic integrity. Listeners will delight in his amusing culinary investigations, revealing deeper themes of identity. Moreover, Calhoun shares insights on crafting humor in underdog stories, reflecting on the importance of authentic exchanges and the emotional power behind audio storytelling.

Sasha Weiss is a writer and the deputy culture editor at The New York Times Magazine. Previously she was the literary editor at The New Yorker and an editor at The New York Review of Books. _________________________________ The Critic and Her Publics Hosted by Merve Emre • Edited by Michele Moses • Music by Dani Lencioni • Art by Leanne Shapton • Sponsored by Alfred A. Knopf The Critic and Her Publics is a co-production between the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism at Wesleyan University, New York Review of Books, and Lit Hub.

Radhika Jones is the fifth editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. She previously held senior editorial roles at The New York Times, Time, and The Paris Review. She also was the managing editor at Grand Street, an editor at Artforum, and the arts editor of The Moscow Times, where she began her career. Jones holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in English and comparative literature from Columbia, where she has also taught courses in writing and literature. Born in New York City, she grew up in Cincinnati and Ridgefield, Connecticut. _________________________________The Critic and Her PublicsHosted by Merve Emre • Edited by Michele Moses • Music by Dani Lencioni • Art byLeanne Shapton • Sponsored by Alfred A. KnopfThe Critic and Her Publics is a co-production between the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism at Wesleyan University, New York Review of Books, and Lit Hub.