Three Percent Podcast #207: Translating Malagasy Literature with Allison Charette

About this episode

Allison Charette discusses her translation of 'Return' by Raharimanana, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the complexities of Malagasy literature.

On this episode of the Three Percent Podcast, French translator and University of Rochester MALTS grad, Allison Charette, joins Chad to discuss her most recent translation: Return by Raharimanana (Seagull Books). A structurally complex, evocative work about memory, trauma, family, and beauty, Return is also a great introduction to the modern history of Madagascar—a history filled with political upheaval and division. From translation issues and the lack of Malagasy works in English, to comparisons between Raharimanana and António Lobo Antunes, this episode goes deep into a number of issues surrounding the publication and presentation of world literature. This episode’s music is “Window to Your World” by Mammal Hands. You can subscribe to the Three Percent Podcast at Apple , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to follow our sister podcasts: Two Month Review ( Apple , Spotify ) and Mining the Dalkey Archive ( Apple , Spotify ) for more book and industry talk! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit threepercentproblem.substack.com

People in this episode

Host: Chad

Guest: Allison Charette

Topics covered

• Malagasy literature
• translation
• memory
• trauma
• family
• political history
• world literature

Keywords

• Malagasy literature
• translation
• Allison Charette
• Raharimanana
• Return
• political history
• world literature

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Rochester, Seagull Books, Three Percent Podcast, Open Letter Books, Mammal Hands

Books & works: Return

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