Prétend

by Arielle Burgdorf

Prétend follows a young translator from Montreal whose name and identity are in constant flux. Our protagonist begins the story as Jean, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage to a dangerous man named Konstantin. Isolated and alienated in London, Jean soon becomes John, and her relationship with Konstantin starts to unravel when he asks her to translate his poems from Russian. After she begins to uncover some of Konstantin’s deceits, she agrees to meet a reclusive artist in Canada named M., and leaves Konstantin, becoming Jeanne upon her return to Montréal.

Working with M. on a new translation is magical and restorative for Jeanne, as she learns for the first time in her life what it might be like to have a translator-author relationship free of dated ideas on fidelity, domination, and the invisibility of the translator. Jeanne also starts to realize she has feelings for M. and wants more than just a business relationship together. But M. has a secret too, and just when it comes to light, Konstantin lands in Montréal and creates chaos. Jeanne uncovers Konstantin’s biggest secret and becomes determined to expose him, forcing him to leave her alone once and for all—but will he give in so easily? And will she find a way to work things out with M., or leave Montréal behind for a new city and a new identity?

Genres: Queer

168 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2024

Reviews

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book that I could not put down til the last page. I loved the story, the writing, the ending, the characters, and the way the author explored and incorporated themes of identity, language and belonging so beautifully. It also forced me to examine my own assumptions about translation work and left me with a renewed appreciation for that art. The end left me moved and full of hope and possibility. The book itself was even beautiful to have and hold, with the pop of deep red color on the cover and the textured paper inside. I loved it and it will hold a cherished spot on my bookshelf.

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike anything I’ve read before; did so in one sitting. Really inventive plot and evocative imagery.

[Sam Albala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Carson / Adventure / Change / Inner Knowing / Language / Connection / Surreal / Humor / Glow / Kerouac / Simone de Beauvoir/ Everything has to agree / Psychic weight / Into Ghosts / Monotone / Remember / Salami / Lion / Delicate / Remain / Invisibility / Paths

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ll read this year. Damn.

[Edward Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut novel about the slipperiness of language, love, and identity that’s also a riveting page-turner. Its enigmatic, unfolding structure and the way it thematizes translation—the professional work of the protagonist—are clever and original. But what really moved me was the generosity and clarity of the narrative voice, simultaneously distanced and intimate, and characters whose fragmentation feels as real and as humane as anything I’ve read in a good while. Buy this book and tell your friends. It deserves a lot more attention.