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Life from Elsewhere: Journeys Through World Literature
Writers in Translation, established in 2005 and supported by Bloomberg and Arts Council England, champions the best literature from around the world. To mark the programme's tenth anniversary, ten leading writers from around the world, many of whom have been supported in their work by English PEN, explore the themes of movement, freedom and narrative. Introduced by Amit Chaudhuri, the collection includes contributions
Asmaa al Ghul - Palestine resident; originally from Bangladesh - Translated from the Arabic by Elisabeth Jaquette
Mahmoud Dowlatabadi - Iran - Translated from the Persian by Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak
Ayelet Gundar-Goshen - Israel - Translated from the Israeli by Sondra Silverston
Chan Koonchung - Born in Shanghai; raised in Hong Kong
Hanna Krall - Poland - Translated from the Polish by Philip Boehm
Andrey Kurkov - Russia - Translated from the Russian by Amanda Love Darragh
Andrés Neuman - Born in Argentina; moved to Spain - Translated from the Spanish by Nick Caistor
Alain Mabanckou - Born in Congo; raised in France; lives in America - Translated from the French by Helen Stevenson
Elif Shafak - Turkey
Samar Yazbek - Syria - Translated from the Arabic by Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp
Asmaa al Ghul - Palestine resident; originally from Bangladesh - Translated from the Arabic by Elisabeth Jaquette
Mahmoud Dowlatabadi - Iran - Translated from the Persian by Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak
Ayelet Gundar-Goshen - Israel - Translated from the Israeli by Sondra Silverston
Chan Koonchung - Born in Shanghai; raised in Hong Kong
Hanna Krall - Poland - Translated from the Polish by Philip Boehm
Andrey Kurkov - Russia - Translated from the Russian by Amanda Love Darragh
Andrés Neuman - Born in Argentina; moved to Spain - Translated from the Spanish by Nick Caistor
Alain Mabanckou - Born in Congo; raised in France; lives in America - Translated from the French by Helen Stevenson
Elif Shafak - Turkey
Samar Yazbek - Syria - Translated from the Arabic by Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2016
1 person is currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Amit Chaudhuri
63 books177 followersAmit Chaudhuri was born in Calcutta in 1962, and grew up in Bombay. He read English at University College, London, where he took his BA with First Class Honours, and completed his doctorate on critical theory and the poetry of D.H. Lawrence at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was a Dervorguilla Scholar. He was Creative Arts Fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford, from 1992-95, and Leverhulme Special Research Fellow at the Faculty of English, Cambridge University, until April 1999, where he taught the Commonwealth and International Literatures paper of the English Tripos. He was on the faculty of the School of the Arts, Columbia University, for the Fall semester, 2002. He was appointed Samuel Fischer Guest Professor of Literature at Free University, Berlin, for the winter term 2005.
He is now Professor in Contemporary Literature at the University of East Anglia. He was made Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2009.
He is now Professor in Contemporary Literature at the University of East Anglia. He was made Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 1, 2016
3.5 stars
A thought provoking set of small essays on the role of literature, language, and identity. If anything can be said to connect each offering, it is the theme of individuality of experience. The sense that even if there is said to be a 'culture' of something or somewhere, it still includes, or should include, a wealth of variety and contrast. In modern society, with its cultural exchanges, technology, and fluidity of movement, art can still be used to both bridge the gap between people and celebrate our differences (Samar Yazbek). Emigration may still make people feel like a stranger in a strange place. But, as Andres Neuman suggests, that is not necessarily a bad thing; feeling like a 'foreigner' can enhance the sense of the strange, invite the role of the outsider, and make visible the frontier between worlds that forms the basis for so much great writing. As Alain Mabanckou puts it 'my concept of identity goes far beyond notions of territory or blood. I am nourished by each one of my encounters' [location 98]. Yet Elif Shafak argues that boundaries between places are becoming ever more important, ever more divisive, and she calls for a new narrative that is both inclusive and appreciative of difference (and with the UK referendum fast approaching, it's hard to deny the relevance of her words). Its interesting to note that she sees writers as being particularly sensitive to the issues, the role of difference and conflict in literature being an essential one.
Overall, a topical and well crafted collection, brilliantly concluded with the biographical details of each writer so that the reader is quickly able to find out more about them and their works.
Many thanks to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
A thought provoking set of small essays on the role of literature, language, and identity. If anything can be said to connect each offering, it is the theme of individuality of experience. The sense that even if there is said to be a 'culture' of something or somewhere, it still includes, or should include, a wealth of variety and contrast. In modern society, with its cultural exchanges, technology, and fluidity of movement, art can still be used to both bridge the gap between people and celebrate our differences (Samar Yazbek). Emigration may still make people feel like a stranger in a strange place. But, as Andres Neuman suggests, that is not necessarily a bad thing; feeling like a 'foreigner' can enhance the sense of the strange, invite the role of the outsider, and make visible the frontier between worlds that forms the basis for so much great writing. As Alain Mabanckou puts it 'my concept of identity goes far beyond notions of territory or blood. I am nourished by each one of my encounters' [location 98]. Yet Elif Shafak argues that boundaries between places are becoming ever more important, ever more divisive, and she calls for a new narrative that is both inclusive and appreciative of difference (and with the UK referendum fast approaching, it's hard to deny the relevance of her words). Its interesting to note that she sees writers as being particularly sensitive to the issues, the role of difference and conflict in literature being an essential one.
Overall, a topical and well crafted collection, brilliantly concluded with the biographical details of each writer so that the reader is quickly able to find out more about them and their works.
Many thanks to Pushkin Press and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2019
RATING: 3 STARS
2016; Pushkin Press/Steerforth Press
(Review Not on Blog)
An interesting book that has essays translated from original language to English. I was not really pulled into the collection but appreciate the intent.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2016; Pushkin Press/Steerforth Press
(Review Not on Blog)
An interesting book that has essays translated from original language to English. I was not really pulled into the collection but appreciate the intent.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
June 29, 2016
This collection of literature has been drawn from ten leading writers from all around the world. The themes of freedom and movement are quite prescient at the moment; and it is this that the authors have chosen to explore in their writing. These stories come to us from all around the world, from places of conflict like Syria and Palestine; an author tries to define where they live and another chooses to defy. We have stories of growing up and another author who feels links to his home country.
The best thing about this is its diversity. Each author has a distinct voice and perspective on their life and the world around them. As there are ten authors and each piece is translated by another person, you don’t get a seamless and even quality; but then that is an aspect of life too. Worth reading for a world view different from my own.
I received a free copy of this from Netgalley for providing a honest review.
The best thing about this is its diversity. Each author has a distinct voice and perspective on their life and the world around them. As there are ten authors and each piece is translated by another person, you don’t get a seamless and even quality; but then that is an aspect of life too. Worth reading for a world view different from my own.
I received a free copy of this from Netgalley for providing a honest review.
May 25, 2020
Some stories/essays are engaging and open a new way of thinking. My personal fav are Israel’s Ayelet Gundar-Goshen on a meta-fictional encounter between writer and translator and Andrey Kurkov on the dead and living languages of the Caucasus. The first offers us a strong feeling while the later gives us a mixed feeling. Both are appealing and bringing us a new perspective.
June 21, 2016
2.5 stars
I have been reading a lot of world literature lately, both in translation and originally written in English, so Life from Elsewhere easily hooked me with its subtitle, "Journeys through World Literature." The collection contains entries translated from seven different languages (Arabic, French, "Israeli" (I think the publisher meant Hebrew), Persian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish), written by authors from such diverse countries as Iran, Poland, Congo, and Hong Kong. Accordingly, I expected the contributors to speak to their common themes - "movement, freedom and narrative" - with equally diverse voices.
Instead, almost all of the authors focused on the concept of the "other" and its role in human culture, and, not surprisingly, they all agreed that exposure to different cultures through literature is an important tool in the struggle for mutual understanding over incomprehension and its frequent companion, fear. In the words of Samar Yazbek, "What art does is make us look into each other's eyes and into the eyes of those who are portrayed as our enemies, transforming them into human beings." While I echo and applaud this sentiment, most of the pieces in Life from Elsewhere were "singing to the choir": those who need to hear this message are not the people who will buy this book.
The outstanding exception was "Lily," written by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen and translated by Sondra Silverston. In this (perhaps autobiographical?) story, an author, attending a reading from his novel in a language he does not speak, discovers that his translator may have contributed more to his book's success than he expected:
Life from Elsewhere was written to commemorate the tenth anniversary of English PEN's Writers in Translation program, and as a celebration of that program, it fulfills its purpose. However, if the true aim is "to celebrate books of outstanding literary quality, which ... promote ... intercultural understanding," a better approach would have been to actively promote the books themselves. Take the $8.95 you might spend on a paperback copy of Life from Elsewhere and use it to buy Gundar-Goshen's Waking Lions (available on February 28, 2017, for $13.99 in the Kindle version) or any of the other novels written by the contributors to this collection.
I received a free copy of Life from Elsewhere: Journeys through World Literature from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have been reading a lot of world literature lately, both in translation and originally written in English, so Life from Elsewhere easily hooked me with its subtitle, "Journeys through World Literature." The collection contains entries translated from seven different languages (Arabic, French, "Israeli" (I think the publisher meant Hebrew), Persian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish), written by authors from such diverse countries as Iran, Poland, Congo, and Hong Kong. Accordingly, I expected the contributors to speak to their common themes - "movement, freedom and narrative" - with equally diverse voices.
Instead, almost all of the authors focused on the concept of the "other" and its role in human culture, and, not surprisingly, they all agreed that exposure to different cultures through literature is an important tool in the struggle for mutual understanding over incomprehension and its frequent companion, fear. In the words of Samar Yazbek, "What art does is make us look into each other's eyes and into the eyes of those who are portrayed as our enemies, transforming them into human beings." While I echo and applaud this sentiment, most of the pieces in Life from Elsewhere were "singing to the choir": those who need to hear this message are not the people who will buy this book.
The outstanding exception was "Lily," written by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen and translated by Sondra Silverston. In this (perhaps autobiographical?) story, an author, attending a reading from his novel in a language he does not speak, discovers that his translator may have contributed more to his book's success than he expected:
Listening to her, he recalled how surprised he had been at the success of the book in this country. It hadn't been that successful anywhere else. The reviews at home were lukewarm. The ones abroad were even cooler. If his previous books hadn't done so well, it was doubtful that anyone would have bothered to translate it. And in this country - enormous success. Reviewers raved. Readers shook his hand, their eyes moist. And now he suddenly knew that it was because of her. Because of Lily Sigalovitch. His anger turned to bafflement - what had she done to his story? What secret ingredient had she added that made it all work?Gundar-Goshen eschews the blunt stick used by her fellow essayists in favor of the delicate nudge; she shows us how the literature of one culture may find its place in the hearts of readers halfway around the world.
Life from Elsewhere was written to commemorate the tenth anniversary of English PEN's Writers in Translation program, and as a celebration of that program, it fulfills its purpose. However, if the true aim is "to celebrate books of outstanding literary quality, which ... promote ... intercultural understanding," a better approach would have been to actively promote the books themselves. Take the $8.95 you might spend on a paperback copy of Life from Elsewhere and use it to buy Gundar-Goshen's Waking Lions (available on February 28, 2017, for $13.99 in the Kindle version) or any of the other novels written by the contributors to this collection.
I received a free copy of Life from Elsewhere: Journeys through World Literature from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
April 17, 2021Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
March 13, 2016
“Life from Elsewhere” is a collection of essays written by writers from around the world on culture, multiculturalism, and the struggles of life (and writing) in a culture-infused world. The book consists of an introduction and ten essays by authors from India, Congo, Argentina / Spain, China, Israel, Syria, Palestine, Iran, Poland, Russia, and Turkey. It’s being put out to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of a program that seeks to translate more global literature into English (English PEN’s Writers in Translation.)
This was a hard work to rate, and so you may want to take the number of stars with a grain of salt. If you’re part of the niche audience of contemporary world literature devotees, you may love this book from beginning to end. For a more general reader—such as myself--there are golden nuggets scattered among a field of shiny gravel. I found the essays by Asmaa al-Ghul (i.e. “When Ideas Fall in Line”) and Andrey Kurkov (i.e. “Sea of Voices”) to be intriguing, even for the general reader. The former tells the story of a journalist who reaped a firestorm by posting a Facebook picture sans veil, but it offers insight into life under blockade in Gaza. The latter offers a Russian author’s experience of traveling in the Middle East, and the incidences of clash of cultures it offers was thought-provoking.
The countries represented by authors in this book are well chosen. Authors were chosen from locales that would have once been underrepresented in such a work. However, one might question the fact that half of the essays are from countries of the Middle East. While this may seem odd, one must admit that a writer or artist in most of the Middle East faces challenges that a writer from Osaka, Sao Paulo, or Prague would not. This isn’t only addressed in the al-Ghul essay mentioned above, but also in pieces such as those by Mahmoud Dowlatabadi (i.e. “Literature: Forbidden, Defied,”) and Elif Shafak (i.e. “A Rallying Cry for Cosmopolitan Europe.”)
I’d recommend this book for ardent devotees of contemporary global literature. Other readers will gain insight into what it’s like to be an artist in a world defined by culture--and particularly fascinating insight into cultures which are threatened by modern literature—and should make up their mind about how fascinating they find said topic. (Otherwise, one may find the book a bit dry.)
This was a hard work to rate, and so you may want to take the number of stars with a grain of salt. If you’re part of the niche audience of contemporary world literature devotees, you may love this book from beginning to end. For a more general reader—such as myself--there are golden nuggets scattered among a field of shiny gravel. I found the essays by Asmaa al-Ghul (i.e. “When Ideas Fall in Line”) and Andrey Kurkov (i.e. “Sea of Voices”) to be intriguing, even for the general reader. The former tells the story of a journalist who reaped a firestorm by posting a Facebook picture sans veil, but it offers insight into life under blockade in Gaza. The latter offers a Russian author’s experience of traveling in the Middle East, and the incidences of clash of cultures it offers was thought-provoking.
The countries represented by authors in this book are well chosen. Authors were chosen from locales that would have once been underrepresented in such a work. However, one might question the fact that half of the essays are from countries of the Middle East. While this may seem odd, one must admit that a writer or artist in most of the Middle East faces challenges that a writer from Osaka, Sao Paulo, or Prague would not. This isn’t only addressed in the al-Ghul essay mentioned above, but also in pieces such as those by Mahmoud Dowlatabadi (i.e. “Literature: Forbidden, Defied,”) and Elif Shafak (i.e. “A Rallying Cry for Cosmopolitan Europe.”)
I’d recommend this book for ardent devotees of contemporary global literature. Other readers will gain insight into what it’s like to be an artist in a world defined by culture--and particularly fascinating insight into cultures which are threatened by modern literature—and should make up their mind about how fascinating they find said topic. (Otherwise, one may find the book a bit dry.)
June 3, 2016
Life From Elsewhere: Journeys Through World Literature has been published through the Writers in Translation programme, which was established in 2005 with Bloomberg and supported by Arts Council England. It collects and champions the best literature from around the world. Key to the success of the programme is a substantial translation grant which makes it possible not only for new work from around the world to be enjoyed, but to also pay the often unsung heroes of this type of undertaking, the translators, properly for their work.
Although the theme of this collection is about the role of literature in society, from a wide range of viewpoints and nationalities, it is approached relatively loosely. The result is a set of essays from some very perceptive writers who really do get to the heart of the power of literature. There is also a palpable sense of passion and conviction, as well as great eloquence in these essays which manage to convey some quite complex concepts to bring home their message.
Certainly this is the type of book that can be dipped into repeatedly to study the writing style and enjoy the way words have been used to communicate ideas to a reader.
The biographical details of the authors, many of whom I had not heard of, were very useful, and in combination with the writing will encourage me to delve deeper into any translations of their work.
As always the translators of these essays should also not be forgotten as their invisible work has made for a smooth and enjoyable read. It is to be hoped that this will signal even more translations of great writing from authors who might not be heard of outside of their own country were it not for the use of skilled and perceptive translators.
Life From Elsewhere: Journeys Through World Literature was courtesy of Pushkin Press via NetGalley
Although the theme of this collection is about the role of literature in society, from a wide range of viewpoints and nationalities, it is approached relatively loosely. The result is a set of essays from some very perceptive writers who really do get to the heart of the power of literature. There is also a palpable sense of passion and conviction, as well as great eloquence in these essays which manage to convey some quite complex concepts to bring home their message.
Certainly this is the type of book that can be dipped into repeatedly to study the writing style and enjoy the way words have been used to communicate ideas to a reader.
The biographical details of the authors, many of whom I had not heard of, were very useful, and in combination with the writing will encourage me to delve deeper into any translations of their work.
As always the translators of these essays should also not be forgotten as their invisible work has made for a smooth and enjoyable read. It is to be hoped that this will signal even more translations of great writing from authors who might not be heard of outside of their own country were it not for the use of skilled and perceptive translators.
Life From Elsewhere: Journeys Through World Literature was courtesy of Pushkin Press via NetGalley
April 15, 2017
‘Life from Elsewhere’ is a compilation of essays, some formal, some personal, written by a huge variety of authors from around the world. Published by Pushkin Press, the essays cover a number of concerns, such as migration, translation, and our increasingly globalised world.
My main problem with the book is this: it really, really needs to be longer. There were so many topics covered – but only one essay for each! For me, there needed to be more structure, which would have allowed differing opinions to be more clearly stated. I think this would have greatly added to the reader’s experience, and really make them think.
However, this definitely didn’t detract from the quality of the writing, which absolutely blew me away. This really solidified for me that I have to read more translated fiction, because I’m missing out on so much! The essays were universally eloquent, moving, and thought-provoking. Even when I didn’t agree with the author, I always respected their opinion, and found myself intrigued to learn more about their particular topic.
One of the things I liked most about the book was that at the end, all of the authors and biographers had blurbs written about them, including their previous publications. As I hadn’t heard of any of these authors, I found this invaluable. The three authors who I will definitely be reading more of are Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Hanna Krall, and Andrey Kurkov. My goodness, they’re good. And translated into English! I really, really need to start ordering some translations, and soon.
‘Life from Elsewhere’ will be published 21 June 2016.
My main problem with the book is this: it really, really needs to be longer. There were so many topics covered – but only one essay for each! For me, there needed to be more structure, which would have allowed differing opinions to be more clearly stated. I think this would have greatly added to the reader’s experience, and really make them think.
However, this definitely didn’t detract from the quality of the writing, which absolutely blew me away. This really solidified for me that I have to read more translated fiction, because I’m missing out on so much! The essays were universally eloquent, moving, and thought-provoking. Even when I didn’t agree with the author, I always respected their opinion, and found myself intrigued to learn more about their particular topic.
One of the things I liked most about the book was that at the end, all of the authors and biographers had blurbs written about them, including their previous publications. As I hadn’t heard of any of these authors, I found this invaluable. The three authors who I will definitely be reading more of are Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Hanna Krall, and Andrey Kurkov. My goodness, they’re good. And translated into English! I really, really need to start ordering some translations, and soon.
‘Life from Elsewhere’ will be published 21 June 2016.
April 22, 2016
An interesting collection of essays and short stories from an international group of writers and journalists about life in the modern era and what role art and literature will play.
One unifying theme seemed to me to be the concept of 'identity' in an increasingly mobile society. In his article "The Dream Called Africa,"Alain Mabanckou writes, 'My concept of identity goes far beyond notions of territory or blood.' He is an African with ties to three continents. Another article talks about growing up as an Argentinian living in Spain--with only a doorknob separating the two worlds of his life.
Or a cry for cultural understanding: Chan Koon Chung quotes Chinese novelist Chang Ailing in his essay "To Understand a Culture is Difficult But...": 'Only with understanding will there be empathy.'
Another article discusses the role of art and literature in the modern era: can reading novels about other cultures and lives foster understanding?
There's a plea for humanism in Elif Shafak essay: "A Rallying Cry for a Cosmopolitan Europe": 'We must find an embracing, pluralistic narrative that can speak to the minds and hearts of people from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.'
Although there's a certain unevenness in the quality of the writing, this book is definitely worth reading to expand one's global understanding, something much needed in this world.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book for review.
One unifying theme seemed to me to be the concept of 'identity' in an increasingly mobile society. In his article "The Dream Called Africa,"Alain Mabanckou writes, 'My concept of identity goes far beyond notions of territory or blood.' He is an African with ties to three continents. Another article talks about growing up as an Argentinian living in Spain--with only a doorknob separating the two worlds of his life.
Or a cry for cultural understanding: Chan Koon Chung quotes Chinese novelist Chang Ailing in his essay "To Understand a Culture is Difficult But...": 'Only with understanding will there be empathy.'
Another article discusses the role of art and literature in the modern era: can reading novels about other cultures and lives foster understanding?
There's a plea for humanism in Elif Shafak essay: "A Rallying Cry for a Cosmopolitan Europe": 'We must find an embracing, pluralistic narrative that can speak to the minds and hearts of people from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.'
Although there's a certain unevenness in the quality of the writing, this book is definitely worth reading to expand one's global understanding, something much needed in this world.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book for review.
July 3, 2016
A short decade of essays and fiction pieces about what it means to be other or an outsider or identity or -- I'm not really sure what the prompt was for these essays precisely. I think it's identity, maybe. That seems like a big enough umbrella to fit all these essays underneath.
And they aren't all essays either. Both Ayelet Gundar-Goshen's and Hanna Krall's submissions are fiction (or at least, intentionally read like fiction), and of course, with my love of narrative and difficulty following non-narrative arguments, those are the two that'll probably stick with me (and not just because Gundar-Goshen's story is very similar to a story idea I had a few years ago so it's time to put on my tin-foil hat so she doesn't steal any more of my ideas). But the white space in the snippets by Hanna Krall -- I have put the only Hanna Krall book in the library on hold so I can read more from her. I suppose that's the point of collections like these, hit or miss, it's unlikely that all is a miss. So you find someone new you wouldn't have found otherwise. The rest just sort of fades.
Life From Elsewhere by various authors went on sale June 21, 2016.
I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
And they aren't all essays either. Both Ayelet Gundar-Goshen's and Hanna Krall's submissions are fiction (or at least, intentionally read like fiction), and of course, with my love of narrative and difficulty following non-narrative arguments, those are the two that'll probably stick with me (and not just because Gundar-Goshen's story is very similar to a story idea I had a few years ago so it's time to put on my tin-foil hat so she doesn't steal any more of my ideas). But the white space in the snippets by Hanna Krall -- I have put the only Hanna Krall book in the library on hold so I can read more from her. I suppose that's the point of collections like these, hit or miss, it's unlikely that all is a miss. So you find someone new you wouldn't have found otherwise. The rest just sort of fades.
Life From Elsewhere by various authors went on sale June 21, 2016.
I received a copy free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
A most mixed bag indeed. Authors give their viewpoint of writing, living, feeling as if they come from the other due to their relocation during their life, or their perception on the state of literature in that embodiment of the other, Iran. We are reminded we could never give a sweeping statement regarding, say, China, as there are too many Chinas for it to ever be valid. An author, in a short story, finds his work in translation unrecognisable – and gallingly popular. Can art and literary be strong enough to transcend and burn down barriers, asks one author here? Yes, simple journalism can rile Hamas – and people on both sides of the Israel issue. Languages in remotest corners are dying, but translation can bring heroes to us all – heroes such as those who might have rescued people in WW2. None of the pieces strike me as essential, and the book certainly isn't; what it manages to do is present eloquent approaches to the subject of internationalism and writing in the modern age, and as a result will appeal to a certain audience.
April 11, 2016
I really like the idea of this book: a collection of stories written by prominent writers about their home country. I find it fascinating to read about a culture through an insider's eyes. And most of the stories included in this collection were fascinating.
The problem I found with this book was that the stories were too disjointed to form a cohesive collection. Some writers talked about literature, one discussed women's rights, others wrote about translating their work into english, a few talked about everday life in their country. While most of the essays were really great to read on their own, a central point to the book was missing.
I think if someone were to publish this book again with a narrower focus for the essayists it would be a hit.
Thanks to NetGalley for supplying me with a free copy of this book for review.
The problem I found with this book was that the stories were too disjointed to form a cohesive collection. Some writers talked about literature, one discussed women's rights, others wrote about translating their work into english, a few talked about everday life in their country. While most of the essays were really great to read on their own, a central point to the book was missing.
I think if someone were to publish this book again with a narrower focus for the essayists it would be a hit.
Thanks to NetGalley for supplying me with a free copy of this book for review.
Read
March 30, 2016Life from Elsewhere is a collection of essays all translated to English, that focus on issues of literature, multiculturalism and freedom throughout the world. The essays were moving, with some more thought provoking for me than others, but all superb. The final essay, Elif Shafek, was my favorite. The author wrote, " We must find an embracing, pluralistic narrative that can speak to the minds and hearts of people from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. A narrative that is not afraid to speak louder than exclusivist voices, whether in Europe or the Middle East or elsewhere. What we need is a compassionate but equally radical and courageous type of humanism."
full disclosure - I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
full disclosure - I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2016
Life and literature, and journeys and different places trough the words of famous writers and their translators. Some stories are better than others but all of them are beautifully written.
La vita, la letteratura e i viaggi e i differenti posti attraverso le parole di autori famosi e dei loro traduttori (inglesi). Alcune storie sono meglio di altre, ma tutte sono molto ben scritte.
THANKS TO PUSHKIN PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
La vita, la letteratura e i viaggi e i differenti posti attraverso le parole di autori famosi e dei loro traduttori (inglesi). Alcune storie sono meglio di altre, ma tutte sono molto ben scritte.
THANKS TO PUSHKIN PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
June 1, 2016
This is an essay collection from writers, professors, journalists, etc. from various parts of the world. While the collection as a whole lacked a unifying theme, I really enjoyed each one individually. Lately, I've actively been striving to read perspectives that are different from my own, so I fully support the idea of a collection like this.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the e-galley.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the e-galley.
January 29, 2016
Reflections on nationality, globalisation, writing and translation to celebrate 10 years of the English PEN tarnslation programme. Inevitably with various authors, some will hit the spot more than others, but being so short the good are small and perfectly formed, and the less good do not overstay.
September 13, 2018
3.5 Stars
Please see my complete review here
This book was provided by the Publisher via NetGalley
Please see my complete review here
This book was provided by the Publisher via NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews