Book of the month!
This month, we’re excited to have in stock "The Extinction of Irena Rey" penned by the celebrated American author, critic, and translator, Jennifer Croft. Renowned for translating works from Polish, Ukrainian, and Argentine Spanish, Croft's literary expertise shines brightly in this mesmerising work of contemporary fiction.
Set amidst the enigmatic landscape of Belarusian forests, "The Extinction of Irena Rey" unveils a narrative tapestry woven with complexity and nuance. At its core, the novel unfolds around a group of eight translators who converge upon the secluded home of the enigmatic writer, Irena Rey, to undertake the monumental task of translating her magnum opus, Grey Eminence. However, their mission takes an unforeseen turn when Irena vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a labyrinth of mysteries for them to navigate.
As the translators immerse themselves in the intricate web of Irena's texts and psyche, they are confronted with not only the challenges of translation but also the profound truths and concealed deceptions woven into her narrative. Each revelation serves to illuminate the intricacies of human nature, the complexities of artistic expression, and the fragility of perception, prompting the translators to confront their own biases, desires, and fears.
"The Extinction of Irena Rey" serves as a poignant exploration of themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty. Through the lens of its diverse cast of characters, the novel delves into the interplay between language and self-expression, the nuances of cultural exchange, and the universal yearning for connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
Jennifer Croft's literary prowess is evident throughout the novel. Having worked primarily as a translator for many years, we see her here dealing with the fundamental paradox at the heart of translation: the meticulous rendering of an original creative work as faithfully as possible, and the reality of a brand new work being formed with every word typed. As Croft says, regarding the power and often neglected significance of a translator, it is they who “choose every word the work will contain.”
With her impressive portfolio that includes translating works alongside Nobel Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk, with whom she won the 2018 Man Booker International Prize for her translation of "Flights," Croft has solidified her position as a literary luminary. In 2020, she was further honoured with the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing for her autofictional memoir, "Homesick."
Like a literary hall of mirrors that echoes Nabokov’s “Pale Fire”, "The Extinction of Irena Rey" is likely to be memorialised within the literary canon in a similar way. It’s a hot-off-the-press classic that should not be missed.
Our book of the month is available for Home Delivery here via bookshop.org or you can Order with us for collection from the shop.
