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Clarifying the Classics #1

By Chance

As the realm of discussion surrounding classic texts often carries with it heavy expectation from the literary community, many readers are uncomfortable with the intense (and often arrogant) lore surrounding the texts themselves, much to the detriment of these great works. This segment aims to rectify this, and offer some insight on some of the books that have stayed with me, and many others throughout history. For this first newsletter we're going to take a look at the importance of choosing the right translation. Many classic works of literature were not originally written in English but have made there way to us through translation. Because of the extreme difficulty of one-to-one translation, we never actually get to read the original text in another , but the translator's way of explaining what they had written in the original language. Translations act like prisms, further fracturing and shifting the original work for each new translation published. These different translations are in no way equal, and can often enhance or greatly diminish a text. An example can be seen in one of my favourite novels, Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita when comparing the translation by Pevear-Volokhonsky with the one by Burgin-O'Connor.

The Master and Margarita is a strange but wonderful novel considered one of the gems of Russian literature. The novel opens with the shenanigans of a devilish figure named Woland and his retinue of otherworldly companions, as they terrorize Moscow. The novel then becomes a Faustian tale surrounding a deal between Woland and Margarita, the strong-willed lover of the enigmatic Master. The novel upsets gender norms, satirizes the writing and theatre communities in Moscow, questions religion and tradition, and retells the passion of Christ in a non-Biblical way. With as much going on as this book has, a clear translation is important. To demonstrate what I mean, here are two excerpts of the same passage, handily gathered by Vancouver blogger Michael A. Charles. The first passage comes from Pevear-Volokhonsky's version, while the second comes from Burgin-O'Connor's which is the one that I prefer.

Having returned Woland’s gift to Margarita, Azazello said goodbye to her and asked if she was comfortably seated, Hella exchanged smacking kisses with Margarita, the cat kissed her hand, everyone waved to the master, who collapsed lifelessly and motionlessly in the corner of the seat, waved to the rook, and at once melted into air, considering it unnecessary to take the trouble of climbing the stairs.   (P&V)

After returning Woland’s gift to Margarita, Azazello said good-bye to her, asked if she was comfortably seated, Hella enthusiastically smothered Margarita with kisses, the cat kissed her hand, the group waved to the Master, who, lifeless and inert, had sunk into the corner of his seat, then they waved to the rook and immediately melted into thin air, not considering it worth the trouble to climb back up the stairs.   (B&O'C)

As you can hopefully see, although both passages say nearly the same thing, the tone and sentence structure differs. The first passage makes it difficult to discern who waves to the rook, but it's entirely clear in the second. The first paragraph also, to me feels slightly clinical or “proper” and lacks some of the colour and emotion that the second has, strictly due to sentence structure and word choice.

I hope that this example has shown how translation can affect a text as the second paragraph sounds much more of an interesting read than the first in my honest opinion. Pevear and Volokhonsky are still considered the standard translation for the majority of classic Russian literature such as Dostoevsky, Chekov, Tolstoy, Pasternak, and Gogol and some may prefer their style of writing. The point I am trying to make is, the translation of a non-English text you choose can affect your appreciation and/or understanding of the book. If you tried reading a certain classic but stopped because of how it was written, another translation might completely revive the work for you. If I had read the P&V version of The Master and Margarita first I am not sure if I would have enjoyed it as much as to list it as one of my all time favourites.

[indigo739-blog]

Let’s Get Serious #1

By Cynthia

So many great non-fiction titles out there – here’s a recap of new releases that I’ve enjoyed so far in 2017:

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen

One of the best autobiographies I’ve ever read. Known for his energetic, marathon concerts playing authentic rock music to devoted fans, this book shares insightful stories about Springsteen’s struggles, family and music with the same passion and energy he shares in live shows. This NJ poet-artist is an American icon.  

Trafficked by Sophie Hayes

This book opened my eyes to human trafficking existing all around us. The real horror is that respectable, educated, alert individuals can be stolen from their lives so easily, with devastating consequences. While this is a difficult subject/biography, it reads like a novel and this survivor’s story is a cautionary tale.

Juliet’s Answer by Glenn Dixon

The author travel’s to Verona Italy to answer letters that lovelorn mail to Shakespeare’s fictional Juliet. In addition to confronting his own romantic failings, he tours the historic city and uncovers surprising revelations about the real-life Montague and Capulet families.  

Lost City of Z by David Grann

David Grann offers a portrait of Colonel Fawcett and his deadly obsession to find an uncharted city of riches in the heart of the Amazon jungle. In-depth research and his own harrowing expedition round out this compelling story that feels like a real-life Indiana Jones adventure.  

The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha

From the author of The Book of Awesome, The Happiness Equation provides clear, practical tips to live a happier life. Despite the book’s cover (which I hate), it’s useful and definitely worth reading. Proving the power of reading, this book may have contributed to my overall happiness!

Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

This book offers insight to find strength in adversity through a variety of anecdotes. The lessons can be applied to everyday life challenges. A good read for anyone travelling a difficult road because it is practical and reassuring without being preachy. Written following the sudden death of her beloved husband, Sheryl Sandberg (author of Lean In) a friend reminds her that “when Option A is not available, then make the most of Option B”.  

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

This is a coming of age portrait of The Daily Show host’s hardscrabble childhood growing up illegally in South Africa’s apartheid. Unflinching stories of resilience, quick wit, survival and racism are the backdrop for Noah’s rebellious youth and the powerful bond with his fervently religious mother.    

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel

A remarkable story of a man who lived alone in the woods of Maine without interacting with another human being for 27 years. Extensive research and personal interviews by the author reveal the character and motivation of this astonishing recluse.

Hunger by Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay’s memoir is a raw, bluntly honest account of coming to terms with her plus-sized body. She moves through layers of painful experiences and personal anecdotes in this powerful self-portrait. Potent.  

The Great Questions of Tomorrow by David Rothkopf  

If you’re searching for answers, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Concise and thought-provoking, this book continues to stir my imagination about the future long after closing the cover. Do we need society? Who controls the data? What is war? Rothkopf provokes readers to consider what lies ahead for humankind as we move into an unprecedented phase of global technological change. Big thinking.