The Reading Challenge Group discussion

Hi - I have been looking for a challenge concerning translated books and couldn't find on so have set up my own.There are so many good books out there, and a whole new take on the life and culture of different nations.

I have half a dozen or so on my TBR pile and few more which I would like to read later - I am including not only modern books but more ancient ones such as Sumerian myths and Homer and if I come across non fiction in translation will allow myself that as well.

I think I will set a minimum of 8 for myself this year

This sounds great, Alberta! Good luck. :)

Sounds like a cool challenge! I would recommend you to read The Egyptian by a Finnish author Mika Waltari. It's a classic and a rather good one too. I'm halfway through reading it right now and I'm enjoying it a lot.

I had some in my TBR pile - some I had earmarked for some research on Sumarian myths I'm doing this year -others were on a list, I think were on Wikipedia but the lists are deceptive many of them have books by foriegn writers who write in English - I believe there is a list here on Goodreads - people mis-shelf them sometimes - am always keeping my eye open for them:)

will look out The Egyptian - thanks

I had some in my TBR pile - some I had earmarked for some research on Sumarian myths I'm doing this year -others were on a list, I think were on Wikipedia but the lists are deceptive many of them have books by foriegn writers who write in English - I believe there is a list here on Goodreads - people mis-shelf them sometimes - am always keeping my eye open for them:)

will look out The Egyptian - thanks

Faye wrote: "This sounds great, Alberta! Good luck. :)"

thanks - I'm looking forward to it:)

good luck alberta! ^_^

I'll definitely planning on following this challenge! I'm too planning on reading a number of translated works this year, so I'd love to hear what you have in mind!

Alberta wrote: "Hi - I have been looking for a challenge concerning translated books and couldn't find on so have set up my own.There are so many good books out there, and a whole new take on the life and culture ..."

Weird challenge. I expressly avoid translated books. I tried to read Jo Nesbo, and ditch his book. I wish you all the best for your challenge.

Why is that a weird challenge, Luffy? I would think that reading books written by authors whose first language is not English should broaden anyone's horizons. There are other authors worth trying, other than Jo Nesbo, surely?

Good luck with your challenge, Alberta.

Ola wrote: "Why is that a weird challenge, Luffy? I would think that reading books written by authors whose first language is not English should broaden anyone's horizons. Jo Nesbo can't be the be all and end ..."

I don't like the way foreign books translate to English. If it was to my taste, would I not read? I'm glad you like translated books. But your challenge feels too random for me.

I think that the English and by proxy the American don't have the cosmopolitan, the worldly chutzpah to translate. The French are great at translation and dubbing for films and movies. Many people say that the french version of Agatha Christie books are better than the originals. That isn't reciprocally true for Les Miserables, The Three Musketeers, Grimm Fairy tales, religious scriptures etc.

I read loads of books in translation already and love getting a glimpse into other styles and cultures. Beyond the obvious Scandi crime titles I'd recommend Jiri Wiel (Czech), Stefan Zweig (Austrian) and Pasi Ilmari Jaaskelainen (Finnish). I could keep listing really but if in doubt Pushkin Press are always a good place to start :) Good Luck!

Becky wrote: "I read loads of books in translation already and love getting a glimpse into other styles and cultures. Beyond the obvious Scandi crime titles I'd recommend Jiri Wiel (Czech), Stefan Zweig (Austria..."

Lost. In. Translation.

Holly wrote: "I'll definitely planning on following this challenge! I'm too planning on reading a number of translated works this year, so I'd love to hear what you have in mind!"

I'm halfway through Heaven and Hell by Jon Kalman Stefansson at the moment - Icelandic - so far brilliant - very lyrical, cold and cruel.

Luffy wrote: "Becky wrote: "I read loads of books in translation already and love getting a glimpse into other styles and cultures. Beyond the obvious Scandi crime titles I'd recommend Jiri Wiel (Czech), Stefan ..."

have made a note of them - thanks:)

Luffy wrote: "Ola wrote: "Why is that a weird challenge, Luffy? I would think that reading books written by authors whose first language is not English should broaden anyone's horizons. Jo Nesbo can't be the be ..."

Luffy wrote: "Ola wrote: "Why is that a weird challenge, Luffy? I would think that reading books written by authors whose first language is not English should broaden anyone's horizons. Jo Nesbo can't be the be ..."


It is true not all translations are good - last year I read a dreadful one of the Illiad - really struggled with it and yet others are more suited. Reading is such a personal event - would be terrible if we all liked the same books:)

I became interested in the challenge because I realised I had already read quite a few, often without realising I was doing so - Now I am taking more care to read those covers! and am seeking them out because those I had read I had enjoyed.

Becky - thanks for the Pushkin Press link - what a treasure trove

For some reason I've never ventured into translated books, but I'm keen to see how you go, Alberta.

thanks - I realized I was reading them without noticing as such like The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window...and of course the russian classics and some fairy tales and myths - so thought this year I would seek them out:)

Pushkin are amazing, so many wonderful books that need to be read by a wider audience. Also if you liked The 100 Yr Old Man, try The Little Old Lady Who Broke All The Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg.