Have you ever marvelled at the way your life turns out? How did I become a literary translator and poet? Let me tell you a story.
In 2001 I was studying for an MA in Literary Translation at the University of Exeter when the widow of the French poet, novelist and literary critic, Alain Bosquet contacted my supervisor, Professor Martin Sorrell about translating her late husband’s fictional autobiography based during the 2nd World War. The title was Les fêtes cruelles – Cruel Celebrations. He suggested me for the job and I was on my way. I became so enamoured by Bosquet’s work that I went on to do a PhD on him. I was also extremely lucky to have a rewarding relationship with Norma Bosquet which began with a Bosquet conference at the Sorbonne.
So how did my work on Bosquet lead to poetry? Well, as an academic I used to present papers on his work at international conferences. In Liège, Belgium, I met a French Canadian poet of Lebanese descent called Nadine Ltaif. She loved Bosquet’s poetry and entrusted me with translating her poetry collection called Entre les fleuves – Changing Shores. So began many years of collaboration with French Canadian poets including Francis Catalano, Lélia Young, Danielle Fournier, Louise Bouchard and Nadia Ghalem. Another international conference ended up with me meeting Evelyne Wilwerth, a Belgian novelist and more translations of her drole and amusing work ensued. I’m so grateful for that initial conversation with Nadine about our mutual admiration for Alain Bosquet’s oeuvre.
To find the links to my translations click here
Nearer to home I had an online collection of French Canadian translations published by The High Window. I was fortunate to be able to translate some of the biggest names in French Canadian poetry. The High Window
Do I write my own poetry you may ask? Yes. I have been fortunate enough to belong to a vibrant group of poets in Swindon for many years, many of whom are regularly published in poetry journals, have won poetry competitions and have their own collections. We inspire and encourage each other, critiquing each other’s poems and giving constructive feedback. A big thank you to Jill, Elinor, Janice, John, Teresa and David.