A wave of acclaim has recently washed over Swedish literature in translation, propelling it onto the international stage and challenging the longstanding dominance of ”Nordic crime.” Novels like Ia Genberg’s ”The Details” and Linnea Axelsson’s ”Ædnan” have garnered prestigious nominations for the International Booker Prize and the National Book Award, respectively, signaling a shift in global literary attention. This newfound recognition is partly attributed to a new generation of skilled translators who are bringing fresh perspectives and unearthing previously overlooked narratives. These translators, such as Saskia Vogel and Kira Josefsson, are champions of diverse voices and narratives, pushing the boundaries of what has traditionally been considered translatable and accessible to English-speaking audiences. Their dedication, coupled with a growing appreciation for translated literature, has helped dismantle the previous resistance and even stigma associated with translated works.
Saskia Vogel, a translator based in Berlin, embodies this new wave. Her journey began with a visceral urge to translate Lina Wolff’s short story ”Nuestra Señora de la Asunción,” a feeling she describes as a physical need to share the work with a wider audience. This experience solidified her passion for translation, leading to a prolific career rendering Swedish literature into English. Vogel highlights the unique challenge of capturing the subtle nuances of Swedish, a language capable of conveying profound meaning through concise and seemingly simple sentences. She emphasizes the importance of trust between the translator and the author, striving to remain faithful to the text’s essence while making it accessible to English readers. This delicate balance requires careful consideration and a willingness to take calculated risks, adapting the translation to convey the original work’s spirit effectively.
The process of translation, as Vogel explains, is both intellectually and physically demanding, often leading to moments of self-doubt. She overcomes these challenges by focusing on the author and the inherent value of art, reminding herself of the importance of sharing these stories with the world. This dedication resonates with Kira Josefsson, another prominent translator who, like Vogel, was driven to translation by a powerful emotional response. Josefsson’s frustration with the prevalent perception of Sweden as a utopian society fueled her desire to translate Pooneh Rohi’s ”Araben,” a novel that offered a more nuanced portrayal of the country. This experience transformed her view of translation, revealing it as a dynamic intersection of language, literature, and socio-political discourse.
Josefsson’s approach to translation involves less focus on defining the unique characteristics of Swedish, her native language, and more on recognizing the diversity within the language itself. She observes the varying influences on different authors, noting distinctions between younger writers potentially influenced by English literature and older authors rooted in the Swedish literary canon. This awareness informs her translation choices, enabling her to adapt her approach to each individual work. Similar to Vogel, Josefsson values collaboration with authors, viewing their input as essential to capturing the specific nuances of their writing. This collaborative spirit fosters mutual respect and understanding, enriching the translation process and ultimately benefiting the final product.
The complexities of translating from Swedish to English are further exemplified by Ia Genberg’s experience with the translation of her novel ”The Details.” Josefsson, the translator, faced the challenge of adapting Genberg’s long, winding sentences, characteristic of a particular style of Swedish, into a language that favors more concise phrasing. This required a delicate balance between preserving the beauty of the original language and adhering to the conventions of English. The process highlighted the transformative potential of translation, allowing for a creative interplay between languages and contributing to the evolution of both. The collaboration between Genberg and Josefsson was marked by open communication and mutual respect, resulting in a translation that Genberg felt even surpassed the original in certain aspects.
The recent success of Swedish literature in translation is not solely attributable to the efforts of individual translators. A confluence of factors, including new collaborations, innovative platforms, and prestigious awards, has contributed to this increased visibility. Translators themselves have actively advocated for greater recognition, advocating for their names to be prominently featured on book covers and engaging in public discourse about the importance of their work. Governmental support and the dedication of literary agents have also played a crucial role in promoting Swedish literature on the global stage. This combined effort has fostered a greater appreciation for the art of translation, enriching the literary landscape and offering readers a deeper understanding of the intricate process involved in bringing stories from one language to another. The ultimate goal, as expressed by Josefsson, is for translated literature to be recognized simply as literature, transcending national boundaries and fostering a global exchange of ideas and perspectives. This vision emphasizes the power of literature to connect us, not as representatives of nations, but as individuals grappling with universal human experiences.
