#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook and you can learn more about it here. It occurs every Monday when we post about 5 books on our TBR.
I definitely need to read more translated books – there’s such a rich world outside English language books, and I’ve barely even scratched the surface! But these books on my TBR are, I think, a really great place to start.
#5OnMyTBR July 15th: In Translation
Witches by Branda Lozano, Translated by Heather Cleary
Genre: Horror – Magical Realism
Age: Adult
Format: ebook & Hardback
Published: July 21st, 2020
Why I Want to Read: This sounds like a really intriguing, different take on witches, and I’ve enjoyed dipping my toe into Latin American fiction – I definitely, without a doubt, need to read more, but this novel in particular drew me right in with the duel narratives and the themes it seems to explore.
The Siren’s Lament: Essential Stories by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (谷崎 潤一郎), Translated by Bryan Karetnyk
Genre: Classics
Age: Adult
Format: ebook
Published: September 26th, 2023
Why I Want to Read: Japanese fiction isn’t something I’ve really explored yet, and this collection of early 20th century works seems really captivating. Even that title instantly grabbed me, and the way the tales seem to play around with folklore and mythology makes me feel really keen on this.
Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, Translated by Moshe Gilula
Genre: Horror
Age: Adult
Format: ebook
Published: May 7th, 2019
Why I Want to Read: I read this author’s novel Hex, and absolutely freaking loved it. Heuvelt is a great horror writer, and I was keeping an eye out for when any of his other works were translated, so I was very excited when this was on offer! One I am very, very excited for.
The Mabinogion Translated by Sioned Davies
Genre: Classics – Mythology
Age: Adult
Format: Hardback
Published: June 26th, 2018
Why I Want to Read: After I struggled through the audio version of Lady Charlotte Guest’s translation, I mentioned to a friend that a) maybe audio wasn’t the best way to approach it and b) I really, really struggled with the approach overall, and he suggested I check out Sioned Davies’ translation, instead. Which is incredibly handy as my partner got me a copy of this years ago, and it’s currently sitting on my shelf looking so damn beautiful. So, eventually, I will give The Mabinogion another go, and hopefully enjoy it much more with this version!
Little Star by John Ajvide Lindqvist, Translated by Marlaine Delargy
Genre: Horror
Age: Adult
Format: ebook
Published: January 1st, 2010
Why I Want to Read: This was a recommendation from a friend based on our shared love of ABBA, and from the blurb it was pretty much an instant buy. Plus I really liked Let the Right One In, so there was no hesitation in wanting to pick this up.
As always, if you have read any of these or have any recommendations based on the above, I’d love to hear from you! Tell me some of your favourite translated books or let me know which translated books are on your TBR.
Unwrapping Words 