Translator's Choice 2020 1
33 Translator’s choice Why does this book deserve
to be translated? Singer’s Melody is a book about the beautiful friendship between a boy called Manfred and a sea lion by the name of Singer. The two have grown up in a travelling circus, are best friends and have experienced a lot together. But Singer, who ages much faster than Manfred, is getting old. Singer was once the star of the circus with his unique songs. Now he has lost his abilities and is longing for his childhood home – the ocean. One night he sneaks out of the circus to try and find his way back to the sea. A worried Manfred decides to try and find Singer and help him reach his goal. The story is a tender depiction of the relationship between someone young and someone old. One day we will all be old and at that point the friendship with a younger person can be of great help. At the same time the book tells the story of someone who is forced to leave their family and their home. Such a theme would work well in Japan where many people often have to move far away for work, or move away as the result of catastrophes, like for example the earthquake that caused the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. I feel that the book is suitable for both young and old readers. The illustrations are extraordinarily beautiful and melancholic; its shades of orange and purple are so wonderful. I really hope that a publisher will take the chance and publish this masterpiece. “a tender depiction of the relationship between someone young and someone old” Fuyumi Nakamura Fuyumi Nakamura translates into Japanese, lives in Fujisawashi Kanagawaken, Japan. Another favourite amongst books she has previously translated is: Astrid Lindgren and Marit Törnqvist (ill.) När Bäckhultarn for till stan, children’s picturebook, 1989 こうしは そりに のって (Koushi ha sorini notte) Publisher 金の星社 (Kinno hoshisha), 1997 Swedish publisher: Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency