The Critic and Her Publics
Merve Emre
Welcome to Season Three of The Critic and Her Publics: On Translation.In 1999, twelve distinguished writers gathered at Casa Ecco, a villa on Lake Como, to discuss the art of translation. Twenty-five years later, their ideas are still apt and powerful. Last October, Merve Emre convened a group of translators and publishers at the same villa to return to those ideas and to examine a field at an inflection point.In this series, you’ll hear from the translators Maureen Freely, Daisy Rockwell, Virginia Jewiss, Jeremy Tiang, and Tiffany Tsao, as well as publishers Adam Levy (Transit Books) and Jacques Testard (Fitzcarraldo Editions).Hosted by Merve Emre • Edited by Michele Moses • Music by Dani Lencioni • Art by Leanne ShaptonThis Como Conversazione season of The Critic and Her Publics is a co-production between the Hawthornden Foundation, New York Review of Books, and Lit Hub.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 46min
Money
In this insightful discussion, Adam Levy, a publisher at Transit Books, dives into the economics of book publishing and the often-overlooked financial strains on translators. Virginia Jewiss, a film script translator, shares the complexities of subtitling, revealing how cultural nuances impact translation work. Jeremy Tiang highlights the perception of translators as artists and the challenges surrounding fair compensation. Together, they tackle the inequities in the industry and advocate for a better understanding of financial relationships in literary and cinematic translation.
Aug 29, 2025 • 56min
Judgement
In a captivating discussion, publishers Jacques Testard of Fitzcarraldo Editions and Adam Levy of Transit Books, along with novelist and translator Jeremy Tiang, dive into the intricate world of literary translation. They explore how subjective judgments shape the acquisition of translated works and the ethical dynamics between translators and authors. The trio also addresses the biases in literary awards and the underrepresentation of diverse voices in translated literature. Their insights underscore the vital role translators play in bridging cultural gaps.
Aug 28, 2025 • 39min
Practical Translation: 1,001 Nights
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.
4 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 39min
English
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.
Aug 26, 2025 • 48min
Shame
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.
Aug 25, 2025 • 33min
First Sentences
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?
Aug 24, 2025 • 36min
Practical Translation: Proust
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.
4 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 43min
Leo Carey: "What's Not There"
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.
9 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 43min
Yahdon Israel: "Faustian Bargains"
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.
6 snips
May 20, 2025 • 38min
Ben Calhoun: "Close Listening"
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.
