São Paulo – Brazilian publishing house Editora Tabla won a translation award at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in the United Arab Emirates. The Turjuman Award was given for the publication in Portuguese of the book ‘Eleven planets’ [‘Onze Astros,’ in the local title] by Mahmoud Darwish. The translation of the work was made by Michel Sleiman. The trophy was given to the brand’s chief editor, Laura Di Pietro (pictured above).
This was the first edition in which Tabla participated, submitting two books of poetry and two of prose. “I was very confident about choosing Mahmoud Darwish. I think it made sense, being a Palestinian author and a work of poetry, which is a quintessential and millenary Arab genre. It was a beautiful translation by Michel Sleiman, and the translation work itself was powerful,” she declared to ANBA.
The award is in its fourth year, and it was the first time a Portuguese translation won it. “I found this look at Brazil interesting. This South-South exchange. To award a book translated into our language. It is an award for Brazil and the Portuguese language,” said Pietro.
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The work ‘Eleven planets’ was also recommended by the translator for publication. “I think this book was an excellent choice. We were thinking about some works, and he [Michel Sleiman] mentioned ‘Eleven planets.’ It is an influential book,” said the publisher.
For Laura Di Pietro, the work by the emirate of Sharjah is essential for promoting literature as a whole. “This encourages not only Arabic translation but the entire chain. They are performing amazing work, influencing the entire world. It is very impressive and true,” she concluded.
The Turjuman Award promotes Arab literary works worldwide, encouraging international translators and publishers to bring titles by renowned Arab authors to their local audiences. The 40th edition of the SIBF had its official opening this Wednesday (3) and will run until November 13.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
