When I started winstonsdad a little under five years ago it was a journey for me of discovery .I had read a lot translation over the years but had maybe not travelled enough in my reading or been faring enough ,so I set forth on the first few years trying to challenge myself and have read loads of books from lots of countries but this last while I’ve struggled with ways to give back to the community of translation but I often feel outsider still , then I’ve discovered what is he pint of this ok my job is to get new folks discovering what’s point in preaching to folks that already know the secret of fiction in translation and the secret is there is no secret really don’t let them tell you there is now it’s the same as everything there is books out there in translation for every one so if it’s a name or a feeling of being alien I. The world you are reading don’t feel that it’s not like that . My ethos is too gently push folks in the direction of translation I have said this before in an earlier post .I’m always full of ideas and will be trying to put some of them into place another reading week later in year for Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one for sure I want to do get people to see more than the two most famous books but even if it is just reading them it small steps .2015 is a way away but I really want to push a year of translation and know folks are very keen on this and will be starting work behind the scenes up too 2015 .Another big project is reorganising all my reviews into categories so stories about war ,families , villages , towns , love ,struggle , issues and alternate worlds (ie magic realism, oulipo ,surrealism or books that just don’t fit a niche so easy ) .I want my blog twitter feed be a friendly helpful place for the reader wanting to challenge or discover the world of translation .A place of discovery where I transfer the seed of my passion to all to grow their own passion .anyone with suggestions idea , willing to help contribute is welcome as I am wanting the blog to grow from 2015 onwards to something bigger for all .
Ethos of winstonsdad
15 Apr 2014 28 Comments
in A LIFE IN BOOKS, thoughts, twitter week
Winstonsdad's Blog 
Apr 15, 2014 @ 14:22:46
If you organize a “year of translation,” it would be great if you someone did some pieces (and some reading) about translation. There are now lots of good, accessible pieces by translators where they describe the whats and hows of their craft.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:38:56
I do hope to get folks to do that be asking lots folks over next few months
Apr 15, 2014 @ 14:23:57
“you or someone else” for pity’s sake.
Apr 15, 2014 @ 14:46:58
Stu, you’re doing an amazing job promoting translated literature and although I pride myself on reading lots of the stuff, you’re always bringing new books and authors to our attention. So keep doing what you do!
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:39:37
Thanks think already done a lot to highlight books and translators
Apr 15, 2014 @ 14:48:52
“My ethos is too gently push folks in the direction of translation”
I think it’s working
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:39:46
Thanks Guy
Apr 15, 2014 @ 15:50:10
“A place of discovery where I transfer the seed of my passion to all”
Sounds perfect! I look forward to seeing your plans come together.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:40:20
Just hope get ball rolling a little more every but helps
Apr 15, 2014 @ 15:57:58
It’s worked with me Stu. I have tried a few of the authors you’ve introduced me to and have more on my reading list. Thanks.
Apr 15, 2014 @ 16:52:02
Sounds very exciting and like Guy said – I think it’s working as well.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:40:40
Thanks Caroline
Apr 15, 2014 @ 17:11:51
Obviously, there is a host of people who appreciate what you’ve been doing. No one should expect more. Since translation is at its core, would you mind sharing with us what your native language is? Thanks.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:41:25
Mine is actually English I just have a basic high school education but always had a passion for reading
Apr 15, 2014 @ 20:00:33
It is too bad that ‘The Voyage’ by Murray Bail isn’t in a foreign language, because after reading it, I have a strong sense this is the novel of the year.
Apr 15, 2014 @ 23:04:03
True, Tony, that is a wonderful book, did you notice how the words are arranged so that if you read them aloud it’s like the rocking of the waves? LOL That’s a kind of foreign language.
Apr 15, 2014 @ 23:31:00
Hi Lisa,
What Murray Bail is doing in ‘The Voyage’ is beyond the capabilities of most writers. I wouldn’t put it past him that he’s using the effect of the rocking of the waves with his words. Actually I’m happy it is in English, because it is perfect as it is.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:41:44
Keep hear good things about that one
Apr 15, 2014 @ 23:28:34
Hi Stu, this is a wonderful reflective piece, I love how you share your thoughts like this…
I think it’s a wonderful idea to categorise your reading by themes, but gosh, after five years, it will take you a long time. Do you know the quick way to do it using Quick Edit? let me know if not, and I’ll explain.
But you will keep categorising books by country too, won’t you? That’s what I used when I was looking for books from Russia before my trip. If only we could explain to people how much more enjoyable a trip is if you’ve read some of the country’s novels in translation! We had three guides in Russia, and of course they were expecting someone to say they’d read something of the C19th Russian classics, but when we were talking about ‘queues in Soviet times’ and I quoted something I’d read in The Concert, when they were talking about Stalin’s apartment blocks and I referred to something I’d read The New Moscow Philosophy, their eyes widened in surprise and pleasure and from then on, we got less of the pre-programmed tour-guide spiel and more of genuine conversation, talking with us, not at us.
And I have to say, it made a difference when looking at those massive apartment blocks, to realise something about what life inside them was really like.
Your post has also made me realise something else. I can’t remember how I first discovered your blog, but becoming a regular reader of books in translation was a gradual thing. I think that’s because I already had a regular reading habit, already had favourite authors and already had sources of new books. So I had to fit my new found enthusiasm for translated books into that and it took me a while to work out how to do it – but (and this is the crucial part) you only knew that because eventually I came back here and started commenting on the ones I read. My point is, you may never know just how many people you influence.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:44:04
I’ll be trying to use quick edit a big project but another way for folks to locate and discover books via theme I love people gradually discovering translation for me that is project done
Apr 15, 2014 @ 23:43:40
You have strengthened my efforts in this direction, Stu, as a few years ago I’d never even heard of something as “little” as the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. That will remain, and continues to be, one of my great joys for the year. Would love your participation in the Japanese Literature Challenge when it rolls around this June, too.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:44:40
I ll be join in I’ve a few new well second hand Japanese books to read
Apr 16, 2014 @ 19:14:29
You and your blog are as important to me as my library, as the one bookstore and even my bookshelves, you are the one place we can all come to to find out about a work in translation, ask a question, find something new. I am really sure you are achieving your goal, something that is not easy to measure as many visitors come to look, leaving no footsteps. Bonne Continuation Stu!
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:55:27
Many thanks that is what I intend the blog to be the place for translated gems
Apr 16, 2014 @ 20:11:28
You’re a guiding star for me in my own journey to read more broadly Stu. I’m not even close to understanding the secret of literature in translation; I’m too busy finding new people to read thanks to you.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:56:20
Great I think we never fully know but the journey through the world is important
Apr 21, 2014 @ 07:49:39
Keep it up Stu – thanks to your passion, you have gently pushed me in the direction of loads of great translations over the five years. I ought to read more though, so I am looking forward to your plans.
Apr 25, 2014 @ 12:59:12
Great hope get folks excited and feel some of my passion