Translator's Choice 2020 1
5 Translator’s choice Why does this book deserve
to be translated? David Ärlemalm’s novel A Little Death around the Eyes demonstrates how difficult it can be to break a vicious cycle, when through bad luck you have ended up on the wrong side of life. Arto is a single father and a former drug addict who, in the wake of his wife’s death from addiction, tries to create a calm and orderly life for his daughter and for himself. But after having been fired from his job he attempts, desperately, to earn money illegally. It’s what he knows best, even if it’s not what he wants to do. The story shows how fine the line is between right and wrong and how often it’s just luck that decides which side you end up on. Even in Nordic countries, where a welfare state will help you get back on the right track, it’s still difficult. And one can only imagine what it’s like in countries where there isn’t the same kind of safety net. In the end the book confirms how important support is – because making mistakes is only human. A novel such as Ärlemalm’s, about getting on the wrong side of life, will keep being relevant wherever it is read. It makes you consider how you should never judge someone but instead try and help them as much as you can. There are plenty of people who make a mistake (perhaps initially caused by something as silly as a parking ticket) and often you don’t believe them. That is, up until the moment you’re in difficulties or embroiled in Kafkaesque processes yourself. This is an engaging book that leaves a bitter aftertaste, but it is also informative and important. Missteps can happen to your neighbour, to your friend, to your children, to yourself and that is why we have to fight to protect the rights of our most vulnerable and broken citizens. We are no different from them and any of us can, one day, find themselves in their shoes. Sotirios Souliotis Sotirios Souliotis translates into Greek, and lives in Thessaloniki, Greece. Two other favourites amongst books he has previously translated are: Johan Theorin Skumtimmen, novel, 2007 Antilaloi nekron, Metaixmio, 2012 Swedish publisher: Wahlström & Widstrand Rights: Salomonsson Agency Gustaf Skördeman Geiger, novel, 2020 Geiger, Livanis, 2020 or 2021 Swedish publisher: Bokförlaget Polaris Rights: Politiken Literary Agency ”will keep being relevant wherever it is read”