Tomas Tranströmer won't let you down

[swedeheart]

This year's Nobel Prize for Literature goes to one of our own, Swede Tomas Tranströmer. It is believed the Academy dreads accusations of national nepotism, which is fine, but honestly this prize is long, long overdue. One of my absolute favourites. I just wanted to share this tip, if you haven't read him, do! He isn't "difficult" and he isn't your typical poet. Read him if you think you don't like poetry! Read him if you do!

Sorry to say I won't be able to recommend one particular translator, I've only read the original texts, but I do know that Robert Bly is a friend of Tranströmer's and has translated a couple of his books.

[Euphemia]

Thank you Swedeheart - I shall have a look at his work.

[swedeheart]

Thank you Euphemia - you're in for a treat. ~ Nice avatar you've got.

[sandyRoe]

He's at odds of 7-1 in the betting. Could be worth a wager.

[swedeheart]

Bit late for that, SandyRoe! :-D He got it!

[sandyRoe]

Which of his books would you recommend to start with?

[swedeheart]

Oh it's so difficult to say as I haven't read them in English. I would have recommended one called The Wild Square (Det Vilda Torget) but I don't believe it's been translated yet. But it probably will be, now, so try for that one in a couple of months! In the meantime, perhaps you should go for The Half-Finished Heaven or a collection/selection. I will say this (with much sadness): Don't begin with his later work. He had a stroke in 1990 and he hasn't really written since then, just revised and re-arranged his old drafts, some of which have been published anyway. But it's not like his pre-stroke writing. He has aphasia. Start earlier! http://en.wikipedia.o...omas_Transtr%C3%B6mer Thanks for your interest, you won't regret it!

[Euphemia]

I note that he is translated by the excellent Scottish poet and translator, Robin Robertson

[swedeheart]

Oh good, TBH I'm more familiar with Robbie Robertson;) ...but I'm happy to learn from you that he is excellent:)