Two Croatian books named among world’s best translations
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
ZAGREB, 28 Dec (Hina) – Two Croatian books translated into English have been named among the 12 best works of translated literature worldwide for 2024 by the renowned magazine The Paris Review, the Croatian publisher OceanMore reported on Friday.
Dubravka Ugrešić’s “A Muzzle for Witches” and Damir Karakaš’s “Celebration” have made the prestigious list.
The first part of A Muzzle for Witches, originally published by Naklada Ljevak, serves as an extended birthday tribute to Ugrešić’s iconic character Štefica Cvek.
The second part features a conversation with literary theorist and feminist Merima Omeragić, with Ugrešić delving into the societal pathologies of the present moment.
Dubravka Ugrešić’s “A Muzzle for Witches”
Known for her anti-nationalist stance, Ugrešić is described as a brilliant thinker and consummate stylist. According to The Paris Review, it is difficult to “think of a better writer to read and recommend in these frightening and uncertain times”, OceanMore says.
Karakaš’s novel, published by OceanMore, was adapted into a film of the same name. The film premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and won the Grand Golden Arena for Best Film at the Pula Film Festival.
American critic Robert Allen Papinchak praised Celebration as a stunning work reminiscent of Boris Pasternak and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. The novel is also described as one that keeps its hold over the reader long after they put it down.
Damir Karakaš’s “Celebration”
Both books were translated into English by the award-winning literary translator Ellen Elias-Bursać.
A Muzzle for Witches was published by the New York-based Open Letter Books, and Celebration by the San Francisco-based Two Lines Press.
