Celebrating the Literary Goldmine: PEN Translates Awards 2023

The PEN Translates Awards spotlight 14 distinguished literary works, including Geetanjali Shree's 'Once Elephants Lived Here,' translated by Daisy Rockwell. These selections represent diverse languages and regions and embody themes like memory and societal change. This initiative enhances bibliodiversity and promotes cultural exchange among English-language readers.

The prestigious PEN Translates Awards, an initiative by the London-based English PEN, has spotlighted 14 extraordinary literary works this year. Among the highlights is 'Once Elephants Lived Here' by acclaimed Hindi author Geetanjali Shree, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell. This accolade underscores the role of translation in enhancing cultural exchange and promoting bibliodiversity across the globe.

This year's selection includes titles from 13 languages and 11 regions, featuring diverse literary forms such as short stories, speculative fiction, and novellas. The themes explored in the winning works range from memory and societal change to poignant reflections on historical events, offering rich narratives that resonate with English-speaking audiences worldwide.

According to Preti Taneja, co-chair of the English PEN Translation Advisory Group, the high quality of submissions promises to elevate the profiles of both authors and translators. In collaboration with the SALT project, these translations will contribute significantly to the bibliodiversity and literary landscape of the UK and beyond.

(With inputs from agencies.)