Latin America in Focus

Beyond the Boom: Latin American Writing in Translation

Episode Summary

Earlier this year, Latin American literature lost a champion when Edith Grossman, one of the foremost Spanish language translators, passed away. Grossman not only translated some of the region's master writers, but she advocated for her profession and for the value of reading in translation. In this episode, two acclaimed translators, Megan McDowell and Esther Allen, speak about her legacy, the titles grabbing attention in the United States, the role of women authors in a current Latin American boom, and the connection between books in translation and events in the region today.

Episode Notes

Earlier this year, Latin American literature lost a champion when Edith Grossman, one of the foremost Spanish language translators, passed away. Grossman not only translated some of the region's master writers, but she advocated for her profession and for the value of reading in translation. In this episode, two acclaimed translators, Megan McDowell and Esther Allen, speak about her legacy, the titles grabbing attention in the United States, the role of women authors in a current Latin American boom, and the connection between books in translation and events in the region today.  

Below is a list of authors and titles available in English mentioned in this podcast:

• Why Translation Matters, by Edith Grossman
• The Silentiary, by Antonio di Benedetto, translated from Spanish by Esther Allen, introduction by Juan José Saer
• Zama, by Antonio di Benedetto, translated from Spanish by Esther Allen
• The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, by Mariana Enríquez, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowell
• The Words That Remain, by Stênio Gardel, translated from Portuguese by Bruna Dantas Lobato; Winner, National Book Awards 2023 for Translated Literature
• Seven Empty Houses, by Samanta Schweblin, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowell; Winner, National Book Awards 2022 for Translated Literature
• Ways of Going Home, by Alejandro Zambra, translated from Spanish by Megan McDowell

The music in this episode was performed for Americas Society and includes:

• “Fiesta Manka,” performed by Dario Acosta Teich & Eleanor Dubinsky. https://bit.ly/3uNqRas  
• “Editus and "Danzón," performed by Ricardo Ramírez and Edín Solís. https://bit.ly/46CvLo4  
• "Isla," performed by Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna https://bit.ly/3T5QJc2

Find out about upcoming concerts at: musicoftheamericas.org  

This episode was produced by Chase Harrison and Executive Producer Luisa Leme. Carin Zissis is the host.  
Learn more about and subscribe to Latin America in Focus: www.as-coa.org/podcast

We’d love to hear from you. Share feedback at: latamfocus@as-coa.org  

Opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of Americas Society/Council of the Americas or its members.