On December 15, the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) board announced the longlist for the award honoring translation works this year. This grant brings notice to translated literature from everywhere, pointing out the significant contributions of translators in enhancing American literary culture by introducing global literature to English-language readers.

Mandana Chaffa, the Vice President of NBCC, seemed excited about all the books on the longlist for their book prize about books translated into other languages. They are showcasing stories from everywhere, telling all sorts of tales, and published by all kinds of companies on the list for 2023.

The longlist is as follows:

Zakwato & Logledou's Peril by Azo Vauguy

Translated from Béte/French by Todd Fredson

This book contains two interconnected poems by Azo Vauguy, translated by Todd Fredson. 'Zakwato' follows Zakwato's awakening after the massacre of his village. Meanwhile, 'Loglêdou's Peril' shows what Zakwato sees with his new eyes about his community, going toward a radiant future.

The Naked Tree by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim

Translated from Korean by Janet Hong

In 'The Naked Tree,' set in 1951 Korea, artist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim vividly adapts Park Wan-seo's novel of the same title. It depicts a young woman's first experience with desire amid the ravages of the Korean War.

The Last Pomegranate Tree by Bachtyar Ali

Translated from Kurdish by Kareem Abdulrahman

In 'The Last Pomegranate,' Muzafar-i Subhdam, a long-imprisoned peshmerga fighter, seeks his son Saryas after his release amid the complexities of war, exploring the origins of atrocity and the unforgettable acts of mercy.

Phantom Pain Wings by Kim Hyesoon

Translated from Korean by Don Mee Choi

In 'Phantom Pain Wings,' celebrated feminist Korean poet Kim Hyesoon delves into war trauma and collective grief, using a unique 'I-do-bird-sequence' to explore the struggles against power and gender violence. The collection combines rhythmic lines, visual puns, and a blend of folklore with contemporary realities.

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Our Philosopher by Gert Hofmann

Translated from German by Eric Mace-Tessler

In 1930s Germany, renowned philosopher Herr Veilchenfeld faced dismissal from the university and retired to a quiet town. Narrated by Hans, a curious son of the town doctor, the story explores societal shifts as the town prospers. The role of the young is to safeguard the newfound prosperity from figures like Veilchenfeld, who are deemed a threat. The doctor listens, and young Hans observes this transformative societal dynamic. 

Happy Stories, Mostly by Norman Erikson Pasaribu

Translated from Indonesian by Tiffany Tsao

'Happy Stories, Mostly' explores the theme of almost happiness in twelve short stories, delving into survival amid loneliness and unfulfilled desires.

Cold Nights of Childhood by Tezer Özlü

Translated from Turkish by Maureen Freely

Tezer Özlü's novel explores a woman's sexual encounters and mental health struggles, portraying a clash between women's desire and a patriarchial society.

Indeterminate Inflorescence by Lee Seong-Bok

Translated from Korean by Anton Hur

'Indeterminate Inflorescence' presents 470 poetic aphorisms on poetry-writing by Lee Seong-bok, encapsulating evocative micro-poems that reveal truths we cannot put into words and showing new worlds to explore.

Owlish by Dorothy Tse

Translated from Chinese by Natascha Bruce

In a city named Nevers, Professor Q, a literature scholar with a mundane life, acquires a lively music box ballerina named Aliss. Guided by a mysterious friend and oblivious to university protests, Q engages in an all-consuming love affair with Aliss, unraveling mysteries in the mercurial city. Owlish is a debut novel exploring life under oppressive regimes. 

The End of August by Yu Miri

Translated from Japanese by Morgan Giles

In 1930s Korea, under Japanese occupation, running prodigy Lee Woo-cheol faced a dilemma: he would have to participate in the Tokyo Olympics under the Japanese flag. A century later, his granddaughter, living in Japan, conducts a transcendent ritual to connect with him, uncovering a family's saga of death, love, betrayal, war, and ghosts.

The Love of Singular Men by Victor Heringer

Translated from Portuguese by James Young

In 1970s Rio de Janeiro, a family's fate intertwines with an orphan named Cosme, who later falls in love with the family's son Camilo. The boys fall in love, but violence alters their world. Camilo returns decades later, haunted by his first love and Brazil's dictatorship.

Vengeance is Mine by Marie N'Diaye

Translated from French by Jordan Stump

Maître Susane, a lawyer in Bordeaux, faces her mysterious past as she defends a woman accused of a heinous crime. 'Vengeance is Mine' paints a surreal picture of a lady plagued by deteriorating memories and a tormented doubt about her past that could ultimately lead to her demise. 

The Barrios Book in Translation Prize winner will be announced in March, alongside other NBCC prize recipients. The award honors the author and translator, with both invited to the ceremony to receive the award and deliver speeches.

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