Translator's Choice 2020 1
13 Translator’s choice Why does this book deserve
to be translated? In Madonna Sara Villius invents a unique and intimate way of creating literature – one shaped by the everyday. She heads straight for the essence, for the wound, without taking any detours. Villius´ main character feels lost on an existential level and ambivalent towards sexuality, motherhood and the patriarchy. She probes her need for intimacy, to be seen, heard and touched, and her need for desire – a force that’s both positive and destructive. And she does all of this without falling into the usual stereotypical traps. Her language is painful, poetic, honest, minimalist, naked and beautiful. I have previously translated Henning Mankell, Lars Norén, Jon Fosse, Lisa Langseth, Kristian Hallberg as well as Strindberg and Ibsen into French. Working with these texts for French theatres and publishers I have discovered that French readers and audiences have a great curiosity and a keen ear for the raw candour and the sharp observations on contemporary life that are present in the work of these Scandinavian writers. I believe that Sara Villius writes herself into this tradition too. “Her language is painful, poetic, honest, minimalist, naked and beautiful” Camilla Bouchet Camilla Bouchet translates into French, lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Two other favourites amongst books she has previously translated are: Lars Norén Stillheten, drama, 2011 Calme, l´Arche Editeur, 2012 Swedish publisher: Stockholms Stadsteater Rights: Lars Natten Norén Kristian Hallberg Kärlekens matsal, drama (unpublished) La Cantine de l’amour, L´Arche Editeur, 2013 Rights:Draken Teaterförlag