Turkish literature in translation: My interview about the translation of Children of War by Ahmet Yorulmaz in Y’alla. Y’alla is a biannual journal of Middle Eastern Literature in translation. The journal is produced by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Yalla Literary Journal
Selim Ileri
Boundless Solitude
Boundless Solitude relates the story of closet-lesbian Handan Sarp, a soprano at the Istanbul City Opera. Weighed down by the psychological trauma of her constant struggle in the claustrophobic heterosexual world around her, she is trapped in a complex web of introspection. She is also a victim of her own snobbery and class values, reflected in her relationship with a young working-class seamstress. It is an intense exploration of suppressed feelings and the queer underworld of Istanbul. Excellent translation by Mark Wyers.
Reviews and Info
Available from:
Independent Publishers Group (USA)
Hasan Ali Toptaş
Writer: Hasan Ali Toptaş
Life: 1958-
Born: Denizli
Known for his skilful and imaginative use of language,Toptas is an important figure in Turkish postmodern literature. His blurring of reality and surreality have led to inevitable comparisons with Kafka. His novel Gölgesizler was made into a film of the same name. It was directed by Ümit Ünal, and Toptas also made a personal appearance in the film. The English translation of his novel, Heba, was published in 2013.
Translated works with links to publishers, summaries and reviews:
| English title: | Reckless |
| Turkish title: | Heba |
| Publisher: | Bloomsbury |
| Reviews: | Bloomsbury |
| Hurriyet | |
| Foyles | |
| TimeOut Istanbul | |
| Kirkus | |
| Deccan Herald (India) |
Other useful links:
Children of War by Ahmet Yorulmaz
After my English translation of the Turkish novel Savaşın Çocukları (Children of War) was a winner in the PEN presents Europe Awards for 2015, Neem Tree Press expressed an interest in having the whole book translated. The book is set on Crete before the outbreak of World War One and is one of my all time favourite novels. The book has now been published in English and is available in traditional and e-book formats. It is available from all major book stores. Here is a link to more information about the book on Neem Tree Press website: Children of War.
The English language as an “invasive species”?
An insightful article by Benjamin Moser about the difficulties faced by foreign writers in getting published in English. Whilst bookshops across the world are brimming with the latest English bestsellers, sadly the interest is not reciprocated.
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