elpais.com
Catalan Novel Wins European Literature Prize
The Dutch translation of Irene Solà's Catalan novel, "Et vaig donar ulls i vas mirar les tenebres," has won the 2025 European Literature Prize in the Netherlands, marking the first time a Catalan work receives this award.
- What is the significance of this award for Catalan literature?
- This is the first time a work originally written in Catalan has won the European Literature Prize. The award recognizes both the author, Irene Solà, and the translator, Adri Boon, with €10,000 each. This win elevates the visibility of Catalan literature on the European stage.
- What were the key aspects of the novel and translation that impressed the jury?
- The jury praised the novel's 'grandiose' celebration and curse of life, Solà's 'savage' language and rigorous composition, and the unforgettable female characters. The translator, Adri Boon, highlighted the novel's complex narrative structure, comparing it to navigating a dark forest where each sentence could be a trap.
- What challenges did the translator face, and how did the author's approach contribute to the translation process?
- Boon described the translation as challenging due to the shifting perspectives and interwoven voices in Solà's writing. However, Solà's provision of historical, folklore, and song materials related to the novel's themes significantly aided Boon in understanding her creative process and completing the translation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a positive framing of the award and the winning novel. The descriptions of the novel are overwhelmingly positive ("celebra y maldice la vida en su totalidad de una manera grandiosa", "salvaje, su composición rigurosa y sus mujeres sencillamente inolvidables"). The focus is on the success of the translation and the recognition it brings to both the author and translator. While the plot is summarized, the emphasis remains on the literary merit and the challenges of the translation. There is no significant counterpoint or critical perspective presented.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and laudatory. Words like "grandiosa," "salvaje," and "inolvidables" are used to describe the novel, which could be considered loaded terms. More neutral alternatives could include 'ambitious,' 'unique,' and 'memorable'. However, the overall tone is celebratory, appropriate for reporting on an award ceremony. The description of the translation process as a "búsqueda en un bosque oscuro" is figurative but enhances the sense of challenge and accomplishment.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the award and the translation process, potentially omitting discussion of any critical reception of the original Catalan novel or the potential complexities of the cultural translation. Given the space constraints and focus, this omission may not be intentional bias, but it results in an incomplete picture of the novel's impact.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel features a house inhabited by women, highlighting female voices and experiences. The award given to the novel promotes female authorship and translation. The story's focus on women and their experiences contributes to a more nuanced understanding of gender roles and challenges, furthering the goals of gender equality.