Author(s): Daniel Hahn

Literature | Charco Press | Writing

In Catching Fire, the translation of Diamela Eltit's Never Did the Fire unfolds in real time as a conversation between works of art, illuminating both in the process. The problems and pleasures of conveying literature into another language--what happens when you meet a pun? a double entendre?--are met by translator Daniel Hahn's humor, deftness, and deep appreciation for what sets Eltit's work apart, and his evolving understanding of what this particular novel is trying to do.

Review:

"A frank, forensic diary that describes what happens when we set aside metaphors and begin the Sisyphean task of translation." -The Spectator

"Hahn is so smart and neurotic and funny." -New York Times

"Warm, witty, intellectual yet down to earth, Hahn has written a unique book." -The Monthly Booking

"A book full of insights into what goes on behind the translation scenes." -Tony's Reading List

Author Biography:

Daniel Hahn is a writer, editor and translator with over eighty books to his name. His translations (from Portuguese, Spanish and French) include fiction from Europe, Africa and the Americas and non-fiction by writers ranging from Portuguese Nobel laureate Jose Saramago to Brazilian footballer Pele. Recent books include the new Oxford Companion to Children's Literature and a translation of Julian Fuks' Resistance and Occupation. He is a former chair of the Society of Authors and is presently on the board of a number of organisations that deal with literature, literacy, translation and free expression. In 2021 Daniel was made an OBE for his services to literature.