Do you know how often I have tried to read Crime and Punishment? Five.Â
I watched a YouTube video by Benjamin McEoy stating that translation matters. I remember thinking, what a load of rubbish; how can the translation make any difference? It’s the exact same words they are translating.Â
That was how I found myself in the library with Crime and Punishment in my hand for the sixth try.Â
This time, though, I could read it. The words flowed like never before. So much so that I took it home with me. I saw ‘new translation’ on the front cover.Â
So let me tell you, the translation does matter. It appears especially in Russian literature. Check out other translations if you have failed to read this classic. It might be your key to success.
If you would like a recommendation, I would look at Oxford Classics. They always seem to have a good translation.
Short one this week as the children are on holiday. Enjoy the quote it had me laughing out loud when I read it this week.
If you enjoy this email, please share it so more readers can find it.
Until next week stay safe
Sam 😊
Weekly Three
Elly Griffiths is one of my favourite writers. I have read all her books and there is nothing better than sitting down for a weekend in any of the worlds she creates. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found out she had a podcast. The podcast interviews other writers and shares inside writing tips. It is a valuable resource.
M.A. Knights - I first discovered M.A. Knights on TikTok and then looked for more of his content. It was then that I discovered he was an author. Whether you want to check out his amazing fantasy series or see his book recommendation there is something for everyone.
Froyle Art - I first met Froyle when we were in lockdown. We spent some wonderful hours talking over Zoom. She is an extraordinary artist and I proudly display two prints I have bought from her. She also has one of the best YouTube channels. Even if you are not into art you could sit and listen to her all day. Her enthusiasm is infectious. If you have even the slightest artistic urge then you have to check her out.
Quote of the week
Mrs Gwladys Mims, with whom he had enjoyed six happy months of married life. That had been some twenty years previously. - Mort, Terry Pratchett
Short Story of the week
If you are interested in joining my fiction newsletter then this week I am sharing one story every weekday next week.
Articles this week
Using Books to Enhance Your Writing
Reading is my passion. It calms me when I am stressed and takes me to a magical world when I need a break. It is, for me, one of the most rewarding hobbies I have. Do you remember all those people in…
It definitely does matter. There's a vibrant French-language literary community in Quebec, but people in Canada like me who don't speak French wouldn't be able to read any of their work without the great work of English translators.