The Interpreter

by Laima Vincė

Julius, a telephone interpreter, works from his bedroom in Buenos Aires interpreting phone calls between Lithuanian immigrants and United Kingdom Social Services and the East London Women's Health Clinic. Julius himself is an immigrant, first to the United States, then to Argentina. Julius's Argentine partner, Xavier, was also an immigrant, but has now returned home to Buenos Aires to enjoy an early retirement. However, peace and quiet in their household is disrupted by the constant phone calls from Julius's countrymen, who are in trouble abroad. Julius's professionalism begins to crumble when he is unexpectedly reunited with his childhood first love, Joana, through a random phone call. The growing bond between Julius and Joana adds to the tension and forces Julius to finally face himself and come to terms with his past.

120 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2012